The search for answers over the Chikangawa plane crash has taken a new turn, with former MDF commander General Paul Valentino Phiri urging the inquiry to summon Police Inspector General Richard Luhanga.
Phiri told the Parliamentary Ad-hoc Committee investigating the June 10, 2024 crash that Luhanga could provide crucial details about the search operation.
Luhanga was Northern Region Police Commissioner at the time of the crash.
Phiri also wants MDF officers who were among the first to reach the crash site to testify before the committee.
He said the officers could explain how they located the wreckage, what they found at the scene and other circumstances surrounding its discovery.
According to Phiri, he was informed that an MDF team found the wreckage at around the same time as a team of police officers.
Phiri also sought to clear the MDF of what he described as misconceptions surrounding its role in the events following the crash.
He said the defence force acted in good faith and should not be blamed for what transpired during the search and rescue operation.
“Me and MDF are not enemies of the country. We are friends of the country and, as such, cannot advance evil intentions,” said Phiri.
The plane, carrying former Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight other people, crashed in Chikangawa Forest on June 10, 2024, killing all nine people on board.
