By Burnett Munthali
Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Dr. George Chaponda, has expressed his deep concern over the government’s failure to establish a special committee to investigate the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of former Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others on June 10, 2024.
Speaking during a press conference in Lilongwe, Dr. Chaponda emphasized the urgency of forming the committee, as the families of the victims, including Dr. Mary Chilima, are still seeking answers regarding the circumstances of the crash.
“It is troubling that up to this day, the government has not yet instituted a special committee to investigate the fatal plane crash. We need clarity on what happened, and the government must take responsibility for ensuring a thorough investigation is conducted,” Dr. Chaponda said.
He added that the lack of action on the part of the government has left many questions unanswered, particularly for Dr. Chilima’s widow, Mary, who has been vocal about her need for transparency and justice for her late husband.
“Dr. Mary Chilima and the families of the other victims have a right to know the truth. What exactly transpired on June 10? Why has there been no investigation into such a significant tragedy? The delay is unacceptable,” Chaponda stated.
The Leader of Opposition called upon the government to swiftly establish the committee, stressing that it is essential not only for the affected families but also for national accountability.
“We demand that the government moves quickly on this matter. A special committee must be set up immediately to investigate this tragedy and provide answers. The people of Malawi deserve transparency, and the families of the victims deserve justice,” he said.
Dr. Chaponda’s call for a special investigation comes amid growing public concern over the government’s handling of the situation, with critics accusing authorities of downplaying the incident.
As of the time of the press conference, there had been no official statement from the government regarding the formation of such a committee.
The crash, which occurred under mysterious circumstances, shocked the nation and sparked calls for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the disaster. However, months after the tragedy, no concrete steps have been taken to address these demands.
Dr. Chaponda’s remarks are expected to increase pressure on the government to act swiftly and bring closure to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash.
