LILONGWE, Malawi – The Parliamentary Adhoc Committee investigating the tragic Chikangawa plane crash that claimed the lives of former Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others has issued a stern warning to all witnesses appearing before the inquiry: tell the truth or face legal consequences.
Chairperson of the committee, Walter Nyamilandu, delivered the warning on Thursday after hearing testimony from five key officials, including former Secretary and Principal Secretary in the Office of the Vice President, Lucky Sikwese and Eric Yesaya.
“The matter we are investigating is extremely serious. We expect all witnesses to provide truthful and factual information. Anyone found giving false testimony risks facing legal action,” Nyamilandu said.
Pursuit of Truth and Accountability
The parliamentary committee was established to examine unanswered questions surrounding the military aircraft crash that shocked the nation and plunged Malawi into mourning.
Dr. Chilima, who served as the country’s Vice President, died alongside eight other passengers when the aircraft crashed in the Chikangawa Forest on June 10, 2024.
Nyamilandu said the committee’s objective is to produce a credible and evidence-based report that will help answer lingering questions while identifying weaknesses and gaps in previous inquiries.
“We want to ensure that all concerns raised by Malawians are thoroughly examined. Our responsibility is to establish facts and make recommendations that can strengthen accountability and public confidence,” he said.
Social Media Claims Come Under Scrutiny
One of the issues attracting attention during the inquiry concerns a social media post allegedly made by former Special Assistant on Media to the Vice President, Winnie Nyondo.
However, Nyamilandu disclosed that Nyondo informed the committee that the post in question remains available on her Facebook page and has not been removed.
The revelation is likely to intensify public interest in the inquiry, as many citizens have closely followed discussions and theories surrounding the events leading up to the crash.
Growing Public Interest
The parliamentary hearings have generated significant national attention, with citizens eager to learn whether new evidence will emerge that could shed more light on the tragedy.
Many Malawians view the inquiry as an important opportunity to address concerns that have persisted for more than a year, including questions about flight planning, communication procedures, weather conditions, decision-making processes, and emergency response mechanisms.
The committee has already heard testimony from several witnesses and is expected to continue gathering evidence from additional individuals connected to the flight and its preparations.
Nyamilandu’s warning against false testimony signals the committee’s determination to ensure the integrity of the process and prevent misinformation from influencing its findings.
For many Malawians, the Chikangawa plane crash remains more than just an aviation accident—it is a national tragedy whose full story has yet to be told.
With Parliament now intensifying its investigation, the nation waits anxiously for answers, accountability, and closure for the families of the victims and the country at large.
