A recent revelation in Malawi has raised concerns about the credibility and transparency of the investigation into the June 10, 2024 plane crash that killed former Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight others. The disappearance of forensic samples and photographs collected during postmortems has sparked questions about how evidence was collected, stored, and preserved.
According to Senior Medical Officer at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Andrew Master Mwale, some forensic samples collected and stored at Sun Set Funeral Services could no longer be traced. This has raised concerns about the management of critical forensic evidence, particularly in an investigation where scientific examinations could help establish the identities of victims and clarify the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The missing samples and photographs have intensified concerns over the investigation, especially since materials collected during such a sensitive investigation could go missing without a clear explanation. Mwale disclosed that eight bodies were kept at Sun Set Funeral Services, where security arrangements were reportedly inadequate compared to Goodwill Funeral Services, where Chilima’s body was kept under tight security.
The enquiry also heard that substantial amounts of human tissue, including muscle tissue and a large fragment of backbone, were recovered by forensic teams. However, some materials reportedly remain unaccounted for, including a large tissue sample believed to have belonged to Abdul Lapukeni, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs deputy chief of staff.
Questions have also emerged regarding the identification of body parts believed to belong to Chilima, particularly an amputated leg and foot whose identity reportedly remained uncertain. Mwale says the concerns make independent DNA testing increasingly important, proposing that laboratory examinations, potentially conducted in South Africa or Zambia, could include DNA profiling and forensic anthropology.
The enquiry also addressed controversial remarks describing Lapukeni as an extreme Muslim and suggesting possible links to terrorism. Committee co-chairperson James Mpunga challenged Mwale to withdraw the description, particularly because allegations of terrorism had not been established through forensic evidence. Mwale subsequently withdrew the allegations.
Medical observations presented during the investigation reportedly found no evidence of gunshot wounds among the examined remains. Instead, the injuries were consistent with extensive trauma, including severe fractures, traumatic amputations, and fragmentation of body parts. Mwale has suggested that Lapukeni’s remains should be exhumed to allow independent forensic specialists to conduct further examinations.
Key points
- The disappearance of forensic samples and photographs collected during postmortems has raised concerns about the credibility and transparency of the investigation.
- Independent DNA testing is being considered to establish the identities of victims and clarify the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
- The investigation has been questioned over its handling of evidence, particularly with regards to the management of critical forensic evidence.
