The People’s Development Party (PDP) president Kondwani Nankhumwa has bemoaned government’s delay to communicate about the missing of Malawi Defence Force (MDF) aircraft, which was carrying Vice President Saulos Chilima.
Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC) Colleen Zamba confirmed the incident in a statement released six hours after the plane went missing.
Nankhumwa further said information contained in the State House press release was scanty.
“The PDP is of the view that the press release provides limited information about the incident, which raises concerns and questions regarding transparency and accountability within the government.
“Without sufficient information, the public and media may struggle to understand the circumstances surrounding the missing plane and its implications. It is also extremely concerning that the said press release should be coming out six hours after the alleged missing of the aircraft.
“The missing of an aircraft carrying a high-ranking government official is a significant event that can have far-reaching implications. In this case, the fact that the Vice President of Malawi was on board raises serious concerns about the safety measures in place for such important figures.
“The People’s Development Party’s calling for the government to provide clear and transparent information is our desire for accountability and transparency in handling this tragic event,” said Nankhumwa while urging President Lazarus Chakwera to immediately address the nation on this matter, as a matter of urgency.
The plane carrying Chilima, and nine others, failed to make its scheduled landing at Mzuzu International Airport at 10:02.
“All efforts by aviation authorities to make contact with the Aircraft since it went off the radar have failed thus far. As such, the Commander of the Malawi Defense Force, General Valentino Phiri, has since informed His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of the incident and the President has since canceled his scheduled departure for the Bahamas and ordered all regional and national agencies to conduct an immediate search and rescue operation to locate the whereabouts of the aircraft.
“The public will be updated of any developments on the situation as facts are established,” reads Zamba
