By Suleman Chitera
Many Malawians continue to demand clear answers regarding the absence of concrete findings from the investigation into the plane crash that claimed the life of Saulos Chilima. The issue has resurfaced strongly following a campaign pledge made by Arthur Peter Mutharika ahead of the 16 September election.
Background of the crash
The aircraft crash that killed Dr Saulos Chilima and others occurred while they were on an official government mission. His death shocked the nation and the international community, given his stature in national politics, development discourse, and as a symbol of hope for many young people.
Immediately after the tragedy, the government assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to establish the cause of the crash, including whether there were technical failures or human errors.
Arthur Peter Mutharika’s pledge
During the 16 September election campaign, Arthur Peter Mutharika publicly pledged that if elected President, he would institute a fresh, comprehensive, and independent investigation into the plane crash that killed Dr Chilima.
This promise raised expectations among many Malawians, particularly:
- the families of the victims
- political allies and colleagues
- citizens demanding truth and justice
Many viewed the pledge as a renewed opportunity for the matter to be conclusively addressed, without secrecy or political interference.
Waiting without answers
However, as time has passed, no comprehensive investigation report has been made public. No clear timeline has been provided regarding when the findings would be released. This prolonged silence has resulted in:
- growing public suspicion
- widespread speculation
- declining trust in political leadership
Many citizens are now asking: if such a pledge was made, why is there no visible progress toward its fulfillment?
Key questions from the public
Across the country, several critical questions continue to be raised:
- Was an investigation conducted previously, and if so, where is the report?
- Is there information being deliberately withheld from the public?
- Why has such a serious national tragedy remained unresolved for so long?
Political and legal analysts argue that this matter goes beyond partisan politics; it concerns accountability, respect for human life, and the state’s responsibility to its citizens.
The need for transparency and justice
There is growing consensus that justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done. Without a credible and transparent investigation and a publicly released report:
- families of the victims will continue to suffer unresolved grief
- the nation will be left with unanswered questions
- public confidence in the rule of law will continue to erode
Call for a clear response
Malawians are now calling on Arthur Peter Mutharika to clearly explain the status of his pledge. The public wants to know whether an investigation will indeed be conducted, when it will begin, and when the findings will be released.
Until those answers are provided, one question continues to echo across the country:
Where is the investigation into the plane crash that killed Dr Saulos Chilima?
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