Hundreds of people from within and outside Mangochi gathered to pay their last respects to the late Abdul Lapukeni, the Deputy Chief of Protocol in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who has been laid to rest in the district.
Lapukeni was among the eight people who died in a plane crash in Chikangawa Forest on Monday, along with the Vice President, late Dr Saulos Chilima.
Speaking on behalf of President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo described the late Lapukeni as a selfless and hardworking individual who dedicated his life to public service.
“Dr.Chakwera is deeply saddened by the untimely death of the late Abdul Lapukeni. For 30 years, he has served government with high integrity and patriotism, he will be deeply missed,” said the minister.
Member of Parliament for the area, Aisha Mambo Adams, who is also the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, described Lapukeni as a great pillar who always prioritised people’s welfare in the area.
Born on 8th March 1968, the late Abdul Lapukeni is survived by a wife and six children.
President Chakwera has condoled the bereaved family with K1 million.
Owen Mavula
