The military aircraft that crashed with former Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others was being used to transport the country’s top leaders despite having no toilet onboard.
Former Special Assistant for Protocol in the Office of the Vice President, Davie Kalilombe, on Thursday told the Parliament ad hoc committee investigating the June 10, 2024 plane crash that the aircraft lacked toilet facilities even though it was regularly used for VVIP travel.
A former Special Assistant for Protocol in the Office of the Vice President, Davie Kalilombe, has on Thursday told the parliamentary ad hoc committee that the aircraft involved in the 10 June 2024 Chikangawa crash had no toilet onboard, despite being used for VVIP travel.
Kalilombe was appearing before the inquiry in Lilongwe, which is investigating the circumstances surrounding the flight that carried the late Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and others.
He was questioned on his role in coordinating travel arrangements, passenger movement, and boarding procedures linked to the ill-fated journey.
Kalilombe also gave background on his earlier duties during an official trip to South Korea for the Korea-Africa Summit, where he assisted with protocol coordination, scheduling compliance, and handling of official gifts for host leaders.
He told the committee that the delegation’s return to Malawi was staggered due to a tight and demanding schedule, with the late Vice President continuing engagements before travelling back via South Africa.
Turning to the day of the crash flight, Kalilombe said he arrived at Kamuzu International Airport to assist with final preparations, including confirming passenger arrangements with airport and protocol officials.
He described the boarding sequence and said the aircraft departed normally before later disappearing from contact and sight.
Kalilombe told the committee that the absence of basic facilities on the aircraft stood out to him, stating: “Despite being VVIP, it had no toilet.”
