LILONGWE, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Malawian President Peter Mutharika has ordered an investigation into the military aircraft crash that killed the country's Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others on June 10, 2024.
This file photo taken on Oct. 4, 2025 shows Enock Chihana (C) attending the inauguration ceremony of the newly-elected Malawian President Peter Mutharika in Blantyre, Malawi. (File photo: Xinhua)
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Charles Mhango told parliament on Tuesday that earlier reports on the crash failed to address key questions, prompting the directive for a new inquiry.
The Dornier 228-202(K) aircraft went down in a forest in northern Malawi as Chilima and his aides were flying to attend the funeral of former Attorney General Ralph Kasambara. Among those on board was Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri, wife of former President Bakili Muluzi.
A final report released by the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation in May 2025 attributed the crash to "marginal weather conditions with poor visibility," which led to a collision with rising terrain, leaving no chance of survival.
The report also said radio communications between the flight crew and air navigation service units in Lilongwe, as well as with the flight information service, were not recorded.
Separately, a commission of inquiry established by then-President Lazarus Chakwera concluded in December 2024 that there was no evidence of foul play, attributing the crash to a combination of human and environmental factors, including poor weather and decision-making under pressure.
After Mutharika assumed office following the Sept. 16, 2025 general elections, his government said the findings would be reviewed for possible further action.
Mhango said the new inquiry will be conducted by a commission comprising members of parliament and international experts.
Meanwhile, officials from the United Transformation Movement, the party founded by the late vice president, have welcomed the directive for a fresh probe into the crash.