By Burnett Munthali
September 29th marked what would have been the wedding anniversary of Mary Chilima and her late husband, Saulos Klaus Chilima, former Vice President of Malawi. On this poignant day, Mary Chilima made an emotional appeal to all well-wishers and concerned citizens, urging them to support her call for a special commission of inquiry to investigate the tragic Chikangawa Forest plane crash that took place on June 10, 2024.
The crash, which occurred in Mzimba District, claimed eight lives, including that of her husband, leaving many questions about the incident unanswered. During her visit to the crash site on their anniversary, Mary Chilima voiced her need for clarity and justice.
“I am urging all concerned people to help me establish a special commission of inquiry into what happened between June 10 and 11. (Ndikupempha nonse okhudzidwa kuti mundithandize kumema kafukufuku wapadera, kuti timve tsatanetsatane wa zomwe zinachitika pa 10 mpakana pa 11 June),” she said.
Her call for an inquiry echoes a broader push for answers and accountability, especially given the prominence of the individuals involved in the crash. Weeks earlier, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) also endorsed the need for a thorough investigation.
Mary Chilima’s appeal aims to bring clarity and justice not only for her late husband but for all the families affected by the tragic crash. By pushing for a commission of inquiry, she hopes to uncover the truth and prevent future incidents of this nature.
The hashtag #commissionofinquiry has since gained traction, with many Malawians expressing support for her call, underscoring the widespread desire for transparency and accountability regarding the accident.
