President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has ordered the Malawi Defence Force to continue with the search and rescue efforts of a plane that carried top government and military officials including Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima.
Speaking a while ago at Kamuzu Palace soon after an emergency cabinet meeting, the President refuted claims by some media houses that had earlier informed Malawians about the suspension of the search and rescue mission.
“I know that some media outlets have reported that the search and rescue operation has been suspended, but this is false. MDF soldiers are still on the ground carrying out the search and I have given strict orders that the operation should continue until the plane is found.”
The Malawi Defence Force Aircraft Number MAF TO3 lost contact with aviation authorities on its way back to Lilongwe after it had failed to land at Mzuzu Airport due to bad weather. On board was the Vice President and nine other people including former First Lady Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri.
Others passengers were Mr. Lukas Kapheni, Mr. Chisomo Chimaneni, Ms. Gloria Mtukule, Mr. Dan Kanyemba, Mr. Abdul Lapukeni, Colonel Sambalopa, Major Selemani, and Major Aidin.
The President also disclosed that he has sought assistance from international partners including the United States, United Kingdom, Norway and Israel all of who have promised to provide high-tech aid to locate the lost plane.