In a stunning declaration, Malawi’s government has confirmed the mysterious disappearance of the military aircraft carrying none other than Vice President Saulos Chilima.
The government highlighted a critical detail: the aircraft failed to execute its scheduled landing on Monday morning, raising alarming concerns about its whereabouts and the safety of its distinguished passenger, Vice President Saulos Chilima.
The government emphasized the gravity of the situation, revealing that despite relentless efforts by aviation authorities, all attempts to establish communication with the aircraft since its disappearance from radar have proven futile. This stark admission underscores the urgency of the situation and the growing apprehension surrounding the fate of the missing aircraft and its occupants.
In a detailed chronicle of events, it was disclosed that the aircraft embarked on its journey shortly after 9:00 am local time (0700 GMT), bearing aboard not only the esteemed figure of 51-year-old Vice President Chilima but also nine other individuals. This narrative paints a vivid picture of the circumstances surrounding the fateful flight, intensifying the intrigue and concern surrounding its sudden disappearance.
The statement conveyed President Lazarus Chakwera’s urgent directive for regional and national forces to mobilize immediately for a search and rescue operation, aimed at determining the precise location of the missing aircraft. This directive, issued amidst heightened concern and uncertainty, underscores the seriousness of the situation.
Adding to the complexity, President Chakwera, originally scheduled for a working visit to the Bahamas, has opted to cancel his trip in light of these unfolding events, highlighting the priority placed on addressing the crisis at hand.
These developments unfold against a backdrop of prior turbulence. In 2022, Vice President Chilima faced a tumultuous period, as he was stripped of his powers following his arrest and subsequent charges related to a bribery scandal involving a British-Malawian businessman. However, recent events have taken a turn, with last month seeing the dropping of charges against Chilima after his consistent attendance at several court appearances. This context adds layers to the current situation, shaping perceptions and responses within the broader narrative of Malawi’s political landscape.