Two alleged first-on-scene eyewitnesses, George Mtengo and Benard Yombe, testified before the Parliamentary Ad hoc Committee investigating the plane crash. They claimed that despite being among the first to arrive at the scene, they were not called to testify during the initial inquiry. The crash, which occurred on June 10, 2024, resulted in the deaths of nine people, including former State vice president Saulos Chilima and former first lady Patricia Shanil Dzimbiri.
According to Mtengo and Yombe, they encountered the plane's wreckage on the mountain in the Chikangawa Forest around 9:30 am on June 11, 2024, despite fog covering the area. They stated that they tried to contact the police and eventually led officers to the wreckage. The duo claimed to have seen eight bodies before being told to leave the scene by officers. They also alleged that the military leader of the day instructed officers to take pictures of the scene and post them on social media platforms.
Another eyewitness, Christopher Bulukutu, told the committee that he saw a plane with military colors flying at low altitude near Mzimba Turn-off on June 10, 2024. He described the plane's noise as similar to that of a vehicle with a broken exhaust and stated that the skies were clear in his area at the time. Bulukutu's testimony provided further insight into the events leading up to the crash.
Lieutenant Obed Mwenebanda, who was present at the scene, denied uploading photos of the wreckage to social media platforms or giving orders to do so. He stated that he was simply following orders from his bosses, including an order to prevent Police Criminal Investigation Department officers from taking pictures at the scene. Mwenebanda's testimony contradicted the claims made by Mtengo and Yombe.
The Parliamentary Ad hoc Committee chairperson, Walter Nyamilandu, expressed regret that the initial inquiry did not include the testimony of Mtengo and Yombe. He informed the duo that the committee would require their testimony again when they visit the crash site. The committee's efforts aim to uncover the truth behind the plane crash and the circumstances surrounding it.
The plane crash resulted in the deaths of nine people, including high-ranking government officials and military personnel. The incident has raised questions about aviation safety and the circumstances surrounding the crash. The committee's investigation is ongoing, with multiple eyewitnesses providing testimony to shed light on the events leading up to the tragedy.
The committee's investigation into the plane crash is expected to continue, with further testimony and evidence being gathered. The incident has sparked widespread interest and concern in Malawi, with many calling for transparency and accountability. Key points from the testimony include the eyewitnesses' claims of exclusion from the initial inquiry and the conflicting accounts of the events surrounding the crash.
Key points
- Eyewitnesses claim exclusion from initial plane crash inquiry
- Conflicting accounts of events surrounding the crash
- Investigation ongoing, with further testimony and evidence being gathered
