Vice President Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima and nine other passengers on board a military plane which went missing on Monday have been killed after the plane crash at Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba district, President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has confirmed.
Dr Chakwera made the announcement at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, saying the wreck was located at a Hill near Lunjika Turn-Off in the forest.
He has described this as a terrible disaster for Malawi and a moment of pain and anguish, which has left everyone helpless.
The Malawi leader also said the disaster is a stark reminder that people have no control over anything.
He then called on Malawians to comfort each other during the hard times, describing Dr Chilima as a good man, formidable Vice President who served the nation well in the past four years.
While thanking former presidents for showing solidarity during this period, the Malawi Leader also described the other deceased men and women as people with honour.
They include Lukas Kapheni, Chisomo Chimaneni, Gloria Mtukule, Shanil Dzimbiri, Dan Kanyemba, Abdul Lapukeni, Colonel Sambalopa, Major Selemani and Major Aidin.
This is the first time Malawi has lost a sitting Vice President in a tragic accident.
By Isaac Jali