Lilongwe, Malawi — A new parliamentary investigation is investigating the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima in June 2024. The inquiry, prompted by President Peter Mutharika’s directive, comes nearly two years after the accident, which has left many in the nation seeking clarity and closure.
Justice Minister Charles Mhango reported to parliament that earlier investigations did not adequately address significant questions surrounding the crash. The ill-fated flight, a Dornier 228-202K, was carrying Chilima and nine others when it lost contact and was later found destroyed in the Chikangawa Forest in northern Malawi. Among the deceased was former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri.
On June 10, 2024, Chilima was en route to Mzuzu for a funeral after returning from the Korea-Africa summit in South Korea. The aircraft took off from Lilongwe but encountered poor visibility that forced a return flight. Shortly thereafter, it disappeared from radar screens, provoking a national outpouring of grief when President Lazarus Chakwera announced the devastating news of no survivors.
In the wake of the tragedy, two separate investigations were conducted. The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation released findings in May 2025, attributing the crash to poor weather and terrain issues that provided no survival chances. Meanwhile, a commission established by President Chakwera concluded in December 2024 that human and environmental factors contributed to the accident, but many Malawians remained unsatisfied with these results.
Following Mutharika’s call for renewed scrutiny, Parliament formed a 13-member Ad Hoc Committee representing various political factions. Initially, the Malawi Congress Party withdrew over concerns regarding impartiality but later rejoined after mediation efforts. The committee has been tasked with delivering a detailed report within 90 days.
As the committee prepares to commence investigations, it has laid out an extensive plan encompassing health, safety, and security audits, as well as forensic examinations and witness testimonies. More than 150 individuals are expected to provide insights, and the committee urges the public to contribute any relevant information regarding the incident.
Committee Chairman Walter Nyamilandu Manda assured the public of the process’s integrity, promising transparency and professionalism as the inquiries begin. The United Transformation Movement, Chilima’s political party, voiced its support for the investigation, aligning with the broader public call for definitive answers about the crash that has haunted the nation.
Chilima, who was once seen as a prominent political leader and ally of Chakwera in the ruling Tonse Alliance, faced corruption charges in 2022 that had been dropped prior to his death. His relationship with Chakwera had reportedly been strained as the 2025 presidential elections approached, which added another layer of complexity to the investigation.
In tribute to Chilima, President Chakwera memorialized him as a dedicated public servant and a beloved figure in Malawian society, particularly among the youth. Following the crash, a national day of mourning was proclaimed, and the recovered remains of the victims were returned to Lilongwe for burial.
International partners played a critical role in the search and rescue efforts, providing specialized equipment and assistance. The tragedy has left a lasting impact on Malawi, sparking an outpouring of sympathy and concern domestically and globally. As the investigation unfolds, many hope it will bring the long-awaited answers that families and the nation have been searching for since that fateful day.