UTM spokesperson, Felix Njawala says his party has been vindicated following President Peter Mutharika’s decision to order a fresh inquiry into the plane crash that killed former Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others.
Njawala welcomed the development in Parliament, saying UTM had long maintained that previous investigations were riddled with gaps and failed to give Malawians closure.
He said the Justice Minister’s admission that the reports were flawed confirms what the party has consistently argued.
Minister of Justice Charles Mhango told the House that his review of reports produced under the previous administration uncovered significant weaknesses.
He noted that the initial report by German experts was inconclusive on the cause of the accident.
Mhango also faulted the commission of inquiry instituted by former President Lazarus Chakwera, citing the resignation of two commissioners, the refusal of some witnesses to testify, and what he described as an unfavourable operating environment.
He further observed that the final German report relied heavily on the commission’s findings.
Based on the gaps identified, Mhango recommended a fresh probe, and Mutharika has since directed that a parliamentary committee undertake the new inquiry.
Law enforcement agencies are expected to pursue any criminal elements that may emerge.
Njawala said Parliament’s involvement is commendable but stressed that the committee must include independent experts due to the complexity of the matter.
He maintained that the issue goes beyond politics and requires technical and professional scrutiny.
He added that Malawians are anxiously waiting for the truth about what happened and insisted that any indications of criminality should be swiftly handled by relevant investigative agencies to ensure justice for Chilima and the eight others.
