The Executive Director of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), Silvester Namiwa, has called on the Parliamentary Adhoc Committee to conduct a public inquiry into the recent plane crash, beginning with former President Lazarus Chakwera.
Speaking during a press briefing in Lilongwe, Namiwa stressed that a transparent and open inquiry is essential for building public trust and ensuring that Malawians accept the final report.
He noted that past investigations have left citizens feeling misled, making openness even more critical.
While expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to carry out its mandate, Namiwa cautioned that closed-door (in camera) proceedings could raise doubts and fuel skepticism among the public.
He further identified several key individuals who should be questioned, including former Malawi Defence Force Commander Paul Valentino Phiri, former Local Government Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda, and former MACRA Director General Daudi Suleman.
According to Namiwa, these figures possess critical information that could assist the committee and inform the nation.
The Parliamentary Adhoc Committee, chaired by Walter Nyamilandu Manda, has been given 90 days to complete its investigation, as announced by the Speaker of Parliament, Sameer Suleman.
The inquiry was ordered by President Arthur Peter Mutharika following the June 10 plane crash at Nthungwa Hill in Chikangawa Forest, Mzimba.
The crash claimed the life of Vice President Saulos Chilima and others, as they were en route to a funeral ceremony in Nkhata Bay.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Charles Mhango has warned that criminal charges could be brought against individuals if the inquiry uncovers evidence of wrongdoing.
