On Monday, the presidency of Malawi reported the disappearance of a Malawi Defense Force Aircraft. A press release signed by Pamba Colleen Zamba, the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, stated that the aircraft departed from Lilongwe at 09:17 a.m. on Monday, carrying Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and nine other individuals.
Zamba indicated that all attempts to communicate with the aircraft have been unsuccessful. Due to this development, President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has canceled his planned trip to the Bahamas and initiated a search and rescue operation.
“The Office of the President and Cabinet announces that the Malawi Defense Force Aircraft, which left Lilongwe today, Monday 10th June 2024 at 09:17 Hours with the Vice President, the Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima, and nine others on board, did not arrive as expected at Mzuzu International Airport at 10:02. Aviation authorities have been unable to establish contact with the aircraft since it vanished from the radar.
General Valentino Phiri, Commander of the Malawi Defense Force, has informed His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of the incident. Consequently, the President has canceled his trip to the Bahamas and ordered an immediate search and rescue operation involving all regional and national agencies.
The public will be kept informed of any new developments as more information becomes available.
