Zambiri zikuululika Pangozi ya Chilima ija Tamverani izii

#NationOnline Former Secretary to the Vice President Saulos Chilima, Luckie Sikwese has told the ad hoc committee into the June 10 2024 plane crash that prior to the fateful day, both he and Chilima’s widow, Mary Chilima were initially scheduled to travel to the burial of the late Ralph Kasambara in Nkhatabay. However, the two were removed from the passenger list because the aircraft could only accommodate eight passengers. He said advisor to Chilima, Emily Chinthu Phiri and another assistant Winnie Nyondo that were included on the initial list were also removed. He confirmed to the committee that he was involved in organising the Vice President’s travel arrangements and worked closely with Alfred Nkhoma who was at the moment the deputy director of administration in the Office of the Vice President. Sikwese further told the committee that no memorandum was sent to then President Lazarus Chakwera informing him of Chilima’s planned trip to Nkhata Bay for Kasambara’s funeral adding that he assumed that the late Vice President was communicating directly with President Chakwera regarding the trip. He also confirmed to the committee that condolence funds amounting to K5 million from State House were received and later handed over to the late Chilima’s aide at Kamuzu International Airport when officials went to see him off on the day of the crash. He confirmed to have talked to the late vice president up until 10:01am and his last message on WhatsApp was not responded to as of 11:37am. (Report by Andrew Viano)