Malawi’s Vice President, Saulos Klaus Chilima, and nine companions, among them former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, died in a military aviation disaster during harsh weather in northern Malawi on June 10, 2024. The missing Dornier 228-202K plane was discovered severely damaged in the Chikangawa Forest, as stated by President Lazarus Chakwera at that moment.
The investigation has been reopened.
Chilima, regarded as a possible contender for the forthcoming presidential race, had just come back from South Korea following his attendance at the Korea-Africa summit. The tragedy happened as he was traveling to the memorial service for Malawi’s former justice minister in Mzuzu. The aircraft departed Lilongwe at 9:17 a.m., but limited visibility prevented it from landing at Mzuzu airport. It was rerouted to Lilongwe but then lost communication with air navigation services and vanished from tracking systems.
President Chakwera disclosed in a public statement that the rescue and recovery effort was finished. “I am devastated to convey that this resulted in a catastrophic disaster. The rescue team discovered the plane beside a hill, entirely destroyed with zero survivors,” he remarked. The armed forces started moving the deceased to the nation’s capital, he further stated.
Even though the plane had a strong operational history and the pilots were experienced, the journey back to Lilongwe experienced a severe mishap that resulted in the tragedy.
“Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima was a good man, a devoted parent and spouse, a loyal patriot who contributed significantly to his state, and an exceptional vice president,” Chakwera expressed in his remembrance.
Photographs distributed across the internet displayed rescue workers and emergency responders at the accident location surrounded by wreckage scattered near the aircraft’s rear fuselage.
Chilima, age 51, had served as chief administrator of Airtel Malawi and chair of the United Transformation Movement organization. He collaborated with Chakwera in establishing the governing Tonse Alliance and functioned as his campaign partner during their triumphant 2020 electoral victory. Yet, with the 2025 presidential race approaching, strain developed in their partnership, as Chilima was anticipated to run against Chakwera.
During 2022, Chilima was detained due to accusations of graft. Nevertheless, the allegations were withdrawn after the Chief Prosecutor issued a discontinuation notice. During the court proceedings, Chilima proclaimed his blamelessness.
President Chakwera instituted a countrywide remembrance ceremony to pay respects to those perished in the incident. Chilima and the other deceased were conveyed to Lilongwe.
Global participation was instrumental in the rescue operations, as the United States, Great Britain, Norway, and Israel supplied advanced resources. The American Embassy in Lilongwe communicated grave worry over the incident and provided all feasible support, including a Defense C-12 jet.
The incident cast Malawi into lamentation, with innumerable individuals extending their regrets. Reports from AFP indicated that Chilima was extremely popular, notably with younger demographics.
Chilima is endured by his companion, Mary, and their pair of offspring, Sean and Elizabeth.
Eighteen months onward from the tragic occurrence, Malawian President Peter Mutharika authorized a fresh probe into the aviation mishap that cost Chilima his existence. Justice Minister Charles Mhango notified lawmakers in February 2026 that earlier investigations were insufficient in tackling essential uncertainties regarding the June 2024 incident, warranting a thorough reinvestigation.
The prior assessment conducted by Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation, made public in May 2025, found that unfavorable atmospheric circumstances and restricted sight caused the Dornier 228-202(K) jet to strike terrain above its trajectory, leaving no possibility for those aboard to survive. However, the document indicated that voice transmissions between the aviators and flight management organizations at Lilongwe were not preserved. A parallel investigative body convened by ex-President Lazarus Chakwera reported in December 2024 that no indications of wrongdoing were found, assigning responsibility to procedural and climatological circumstances — yet each conclusion disappointed numerous residents seeking resolution.
During late March 2026, the legislature responded to Mutharika’s directive. Parliamentary Leader Sameer Suleman constituted a 13-member Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee representing various political affiliations, with Walter Nyamilandu Manda as chair. The establishment encountered obstacles — the Malawi Congress Party initially departed the endeavor citing impartiality doubts before returning after the Speaker facilitated talks. The panel will operate for 90 days before submitting conclusions to the legislature.
By late April 2026, the panel had accomplished its initial stage — creating investigation guidelines, establishing the inquiry’s parameters, and constructing an orderly examination strategy. Major investigative efforts commence mid-May 2026, with examination proceeding via three simultaneous branches: a wellness, protection, security, and ecological assessment; a monetary examination; and corpse and clinical assessments. The panel intends to engage with approximately 150 individuals and has urged the general populace to furnish any pertinent specifics.
“The Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee formed to execute a comprehensive re-examination of the Chikangawa Plane Crash has successfully accomplished its opening stage and stands prepared to initiate the probe,” Nyamilandu announced. He guaranteed that the endeavor would be executed with impartiality, competence, and candor. Chilima’s United Transformation Movement party has endorsed the revived probe, alongside numerous inhabitants who have persistently sought conclusive clarification regarding the incident that disrupted the populace roughly 24 months prior.
