UTM Raises Transparency Concerns Over Missing VP's Plane
A key issue raised by UTM was the lack of a transponder on the aircraft to aid locating its whereabouts.
LILONGWE, Malawi- The United Transformation Movement (UTM) party expressed deep concerns Tuesday over the missing plane carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima, who is also the party's president, writes Martin Kamlaike.
In a press briefing at the UTM's head office in Lilongwe, officials including Secretary General Patricia Kaliati, Vice President Michael Usi and Publicity Secretary Felix Njawala updated the nation on the party's response to the incident.
Former UDF president Atupele Muluzi and other politicians and religious leaders were also in attendance.
A key issue raised by UTM was the lack of a transponder on the aircraft to aid locating its whereabouts.
The party said it is worrisome that all planes that come and leave Malawi are traced but the plane that carried its president Saulos Chilima does not have a transponder.
UTM claimed the data they have gathered so far does not show the location of the missing plane that was carrying Chilima.
The party also questioned the timing of the official search launch, stating it was reported the plane lost communication around 10 a.m. on Monday but the search team was not initiated until around 3 p.m.
UTM revealed it has engaged its own search efforts covering areas as far as Dwambazi, Nyika and other parts of Mzimba district.
The party appealed to residents in those regions to assist in trying to locate the aircraft.
Plans were announced to form an information room that will provide instant updates regarding the missing plane carrying the vice president and his entourage.
Chilima was one of 10 people aboard the Malawi Defence Force aircraft that lost contact on Monday after taking off from Lilongwe headed to Mzuzu but failed to land due to poor weather.
In a national address that night, President Lazarus Chakwera vowed the operation to find the plane would continue unabated.
However, he acknowledged the heartbreaking situation while pleading for hope.
In addition to Chilima, those aboard included his aide Lukas Kapheni, senior officials Chisomo Chimaneni, Gloria Mtukule, Shanil Dzimbiri, Dan Kanyemba, Abdul Lapukeni, pilot Colonel Sambalopa and Lieutenant Majors Selemani and Aidin.
All eyes remain on the isolated Raiply region as the multi-party search effort presses on for any sign of the missing aircraft on its second day.