By Wezzie Gausi:
The Commission of Inquiry appointed to investigate the cause of the plane crash that killed former vice president Saulos Chilima and eight others has appealed to Malawians to trust its capability to conduct a thorough investigation.
Speaking at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe after being sworn in, chairperson for the commission, High Court judge Jabbar Alide, said the inquiry would be conducted within the confines of the laws of the country.
He added that the commission would be interviewing everyone who has information that could be crucial in establishing the truth.
“This is a big responsibility that the country has entrusted us country has entrusted us with and we plead to be trusted to perform this job professionally. As you can see, the composition of the commission encompasses people from all sectors.
“Our work will begin today so that we can meet the deadline that has been set for us [which is November 30, 2024],” Alide said.
In his address, President Lazarus Chakwera, who constituted the commission in line with the country’s laws, described the plane accident that occurred on June 10, 2024 as deadly and painful.
“I know people felt frustrated by the delay in appointing the commission of inquiry but we needed to follow proper procedures in this matter.
“I promised to conduct three inquiries. The first inquiry was to determine the cause of death of the people and whether anyone was present when it crashed. The doctors completed that report, which was submitted to the families,” Chakwera said.
He added that another investigation would seek to establish what caused the plane to crash, which was conducted by German experts and the preliminary report was released by the end of August.
Chakwera further said the commission of inquiry is the final body to conduct an investigation on the matter.
The President has since instructed the commission to carry out its work without favour or interference from political leaders.
Chakwera’s decision to institute an inquiry follows numerous calls from quarters which include Chilima’s widow, Mary, who weeks ago requested an independent inquiry via her Facebook page.
Those sworn in include Alide alongside members Monsignor Patrick Thawale, Pastor Tony Nyirenda, Bishop Mary Nkosi, Sunduzwayo Madise, Inkosi ya Makosi M’mbelwa V, Senior Chief Makwangwala, Justin Mkandawire and Brigadier Cosgrove Mituka (Retired).
From the civil society sector, those sworn in include women’s rights activist Emma Kaliya and human rights defender Sylvester Namiwa.
Also sworn in as secretaries are Dixie Kwatani, Professor Nyengo Mkandawire, Senior Counsel Alan Chinula, Esther Chioko, Nimia Kambiri Mzembe, Lidia Chiotha, Ruth Mwandira, Mirriam Wemba, Chizaso Nyirongo and Judge Paul Chiotcha.
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