By Edwin Mauluka

President Peter Mutharika has directed Parliament to constitute a special committee to conduct a fresh investigation into the 2024 plane crash that killed then Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others in northern Malawi.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Charles Mhango, announced the development in Parliament on Tuesday while responding to a question from Mwanza Central legislator Felix Njawala. The query was supported by Lilongwe Mpenu MP Eisenhower Mkaka.

The legislators sought an update on the government’s earlier pledge to review the matter after the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) returned to power following the September 2025 elections.

Chilima, who led the United Transformation Movement (UTM) — then an alliance partner of the ruling Malawi Congress Party — was travelling from Lilongwe to Mzuzu when the military aircraft crashed en route to Nkhata Bay, where he was scheduled to attend the funeral of former cabinet minister and lawyer Ralph Kasambara.

The crash of the Dornier 228-202K aircraft operated by the Malawi Defence Force sparked widespread public scepticism over its cause and surrounding circumstances.

Mhango told the House that after reviewing two earlier reports—the Commission of Inquiry and the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) report—he recommended a fresh probe.

“I wish to report that this August House has pleased His Excellency to direct that a fresh inquiry and investigation be carried out into the accident that took place on June 10, 2024,” Mhango said.

He said the directive is anchored in Sections 36(6) and 60(3) of the Constitution, which empower Parliament to establish committees and conduct investigations on matters of national interest.

According to Mhango, Parliament is best placed to lead the probe as a representative body of all Malawians across the political divide.

In his first national address following the September 2025 elections, President Mutharika had indicated that the incoming Justice Minister would review the crash investigation reports and advise on the way forward.

Former president Lazarus Chakwera had earlier established a Commission of Inquiry into the crash, while the government also sought assistance from Germany’s BFU. However, both reports were met with public doubt.

Mhango said his review uncovered several gaps. He noted that the BFU’s interim report was released before investigations were completed and lacked conclusive findings on the cause of the crash, including expert meteorological input on weather conditions along the flight path.

He also criticised the Commission of Inquiry for having a narrow scope and limited timeframe, as well as credibility concerns arising from the resignation of two commissioners.

“These resignations are significant and, in my view, affected the integrity and impartiality of the inquiry,” Mhango said.

He further observed that some witnesses declined to testify due to fear of political reprisals, while public participation was minimal despite widespread calls for submissions.

Mhango also faulted the BFU’s final report for relying heavily on the Commission’s findings, whose credibility had been questioned.

“In view of these factors, the investigations failed to provide conclusive answers and closure on the aircraft accident,” he said.

He added that the new parliamentary committee will be supported by technical experts in air crash investigations to ensure a thorough and credible process.

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