Malawian Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima, former first lady Shanil Dzimbiri, and eight others tragically lost their lives in a military plane crash on June 10, 2024. The accident was announced by President Lazarus Chakwera, revealing that the wreckage of the Dornier 228-202K aircraft was discovered in the Chikangawa Forest in northern Malawi after it disappeared on Monday morning due to adverse weather conditions.
Chilima, who was regarded as a potential contender in the upcoming presidential election, had recently returned from the Korea-Africa summit in South Korea. At the time of the crash, he was en route to a funeral for Malawi’s former justice minister in Mzuzu. The aircraft had taken off from Lilongwe at 9:17 a.m. but was unable to land at Mzuzu airport due to poor visibility. Ordered to return to Lilongwe, the plane lost contact with air traffic control and disappeared from radar screens.
“I am heartbroken to announce that this has ended in a dreadful tragedy. The search and rescue team located the aircraft near a hill, completely destroyed with no survivors,” President Chakwera said in a national address. He confirmed that all onboard were killed on impact, and the military returned their remains to the capital.
Despite the aircraft’s reliable history and the crew’s experience, a problem occurred during the return flight to Lilongwe, resulting in the tragic crash.
“Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima was a good man, a dedicated father and husband, a patriotic citizen who served his nation with distinction, and a formidable vice president,” President Chakwera stated.
Images circulating on the internet show security and rescue personnel at the crash site, with debris scattered near the plane’s tail.
Chilima, aged 51, was once the director of Airtel Malawi and led the United Transformation Movement party. He teamed up with Chakwera to form the ruling Tonse Alliance and was his running mate in their 2020 electoral victory. However, as the 2025 presidential election approached, their relationship soured, with Chilima expected to challenge Chakwera.
Chilima was previously arrested on corruption charges in 2022, which were recently dropped after the director of public prosecutions filed a notice to discontinue the case. Chilima consistently declared his innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
President Chakwera declared a national day of mourning to pay tribute to the victims.
The search and rescue operations were supported by international assistance, with countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Israel providing specialized equipment. The U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe expressed its deep concern over the crash and offered all possible aid, including a Defense C-12 aircraft.
The accident has plunged Malawi into mourning, with many expressing their sympathy and offering condolences. AFP news agency reported that “Dr. Chilima was widely loved, particularly among the youth.”
Chilima is survived by his wife, Mary, and their two children, Sean and Elizabeth.