By Burnett Munthali
According to SKC legacy Facebook page, Eleven months have passed, but it still feels like yesterday.
The death of Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima continues to haunt the hearts of many Malawians who viewed him as a beacon of hope for the country’s future.
On the tragic day of June 10, 2024, a military aircraft carrying SKC and nine others vanished from Malawi’s skies while on a domestic mission.
The plane suddenly disappeared from airport radar, throwing the nation into uncertainty and panic.
The aircraft, a Dornier 228 military plane, was flying under poor weather conditions, and by nightfall, there was still no official confirmation of its whereabouts.
Soldiers had been tasked with searching through the Chikangawa Forest overnight, but the operation was abruptly called off, only to resume the following morning.
This delay in the search effort deeply troubled many supporters of SKC and the families of those onboard.
It raised serious concerns about the urgency and efficiency of the rescue mission, especially when there was still hope that survivors could be found.
The following morning, the wreckage of the plane was discovered deep in the forest, and tragically, all ten passengers were found dead.
The entire nation mourned, and the government quickly announced an investigation into the possible causes of the crash.
Government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu later revealed that aviation experts from Germany had arrived to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
These experts were tasked with examining various aspects, including the condition of the aircraft and the events surrounding its final moments.
The loss of such a high-profile aircraft in unclear circumstances left the country in shock.
One of the most troubling facts is that even after nearly a year, the black box—the flight data recorder—has not been found.
This absence continues to fuel suspicions and doubts about the transparency and credibility of the investigation.
To make matters worse, the government initially claimed the plane had been advised not to land at Mzuzu Airport due to bad weather.
However, this statement was later discredited after Mzuzu Airport authorities denied issuing any such warning.
This contradiction highlighted inconsistencies in the official narrative and raised questions about accountability in managing the Vice President’s flight.
Even President Lazarus Chakwera himself admitted he was puzzled by the crash of a plane he had personally used many times before.
This only deepened the sense of mystery and public mistrust surrounding the tragedy.
For many Malawians who admired Chilima—particularly the youth who saw him as a symbol of energy, reform, and national progress—his sudden death left a painful void.
Everything about his passing continues to weigh heavily on the nation’s conscience.
There remains a pressing need for truth, justice, and a full accounting of what truly happened on that dark day.
If Malawi is to move forward with integrity, it must allow the facts to emerge without fear or cover-up—even if those facts are difficult to accept.
To this day, the name Saulos Klaus Chilima remains etched in the hearts of many Malawians as a symbol of hope, courage, and unwavering patriotism.
The memory of his death is not something that can be easily forgotten.
