The Commission of Inquiry into the aircraft accident that claimed the lives of former Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima and eight others at Nthungwa in Nkhatabay has been granted an extension to finalise and submit its report by 14th December this year.
According to a second periodic report released by the commission, the magnitude of evidence gathered from over 120 witnesses to date necessitated a request for an extension of the commission’s duration, which was approved by President Dr Lazarus Chakwera.
In a statement signed by the commission’s Chairperson, Justice Jabba Alide, it was confirmed that the process of taking evidence would conclude today.
The commission will then proceed to formulate its findings and recommendations, which will be presented in the report to President Dr Chakwera and the nation.
The commission has engaged with various individuals, including members of bereaved families, and staff and management of organisations believed to hold credible and relevant information about the tragic accident.
However, it noted that only two individuals voluntarily came forward to testify before the commission.
The tragedy occurred on 10th June this year, when a plane carrying Dr Chilima and eight others crashed on the Nthungwa Hills in Nkhatabay.
In response, President Chakwera established the commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.