Chilima's Brother Seeks 'Comprehensive' Probe Into Vice President's Deadly Crash
Mourners from across Malawi attended the service in Lilongwe. Chilima's body will be buried Monday in his home village in Ntcheu district.
LILONGWE, Malawi - The brother of Vice President Saulos Chilima appealed Sunday for a "comprehensive" investigation into the plane crash that killed the prominent politician, saying an independent inquiry was needed to "win the trust of Malawians at large", writes Martin Kamlaike.
In an emotional eulogy at Bingu National Stadium, Dr. Ben Chilima revealed the family had witnessed the autopsy after last week's tragedy but demanded a thorough report on the cause of the crash that also claimed eight other lives.
"Saulos was a mentor, motivator, advisor and role model to not only our family but also to many people he interacted with," Dr. Chilima told mourners gathered for a state funeral service led by President Lazarus Chakwera.
Chilima's lawyer, Chikosa Silungwe, joined the family's call for answers, saying an "honest and robust inquiry" was needed to "uphold the souls of all the victims" and prevent similar tragedies.
Chilima's son, Sean, paid tribute to his father's "high work ethic," describing the vice president as "a versatile person" guided by humility as "a devoted Christian" who taught his children "to love all people regardless of status."
"Now that he is no more, I believe his legacy will live on for generations to come," the young man said.
Chilima, 51, was among nine people killed on June 10 when a military flight went down in northern Malawi's Chikangawa Forest shortly after taking off for a funeral in Mzimba district.
No cause has been determined.
Chakwera vowed to allow an independent international probe amid growing calls for transparency, saying he had asked international partners to help conduct "a forensic and thorough investigation."
Mourners from across Malawi attended the service in Lilongwe. Chilima's body will be buried Monday in his home village in Ntcheu district.