PAC Mourns Death of Malawi's VP in Plane Crash
"In this time of sorrow, PAC would like to urge all Malawians to mourn our beloved ones peacefully and in unity," the group said.
LILONGWE, Malawi- The Public Affairs Committee in Malawi expressed shock and extended condolences over the death of Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others in a plane crash on Monday, writes Winston Mwale.
"PAC extends to Your Excellency, Government of Malawi, and to the people of Malawi our deepest sympathy for the untimely death of the Vice President and members that accompanied him on the aircraft," the group said in a statement issued Wednesday.
Chilima, 59, was a "dynamic leader" whose "loss will be deeply mourned by those who interacted with him," the statement said. It praised his "leadership style and accomplishments" as a "lasting legacy" for Malawians, especially his United Transformation Movement party that he worked hard to establish.
"Malawians who interacted with him are the richest in his memory. Both government and UTM should be proud of his selfless leadership and his life," the PAC said.
To the bereaved families, the committee extended "heartfelt condolences" and said "tears will dry but memories will live forever."
"We cannot find words strong enough to express how shocked we feel as a result of this tragic accident," the statement said. "The grief we are experiencing is so deep and beyond our imagination."
The PAC urged Malawians to "maintain peace and tranquility, and avoid speculations including pointing fingers at each other" during the mourning period.
It called for the "spirit of peace and strength" to prevail.
"In this time of sorrow, PAC would like to urge all Malawians to mourn our beloved ones peacefully and in unity," the group said. "May Their Souls Rest In Peace."