President Lazarus Chakwera has announced the death of Vice President Saulos Chilima after the crash of the military plane he was travelling in.
It ended a tense 24 hours during which Malawians anxiously awaited the outcome of an army-led search for the ill-fated aircraft.
In an address to the nation on Tuesday, Chakwera said the remains of Chilima and nine others were found in the wreckage of the plane near a hill.
“The search and rescue team has found the aircraft near a hill in the Chikangawa forest, and they found it completely destroyed, with no survivors as all passengers on board were killed on impact,” Chakwera said.
He described Chilima as “a good man, a devoted father and husband, a patriotic citizen who served his country with distinction, and a formidable Vice President.”
Among those who also perished in the crash was former Malawi first lady Shanil Dzimbiri, ex-wife of former president Bakili Muluzi.
The group was traveling to attend the funeral of a former government minister.
Chilima had been vice president since 2020.
JN/APA