Read < 1 minute

Malawi’s Vice-President Saulos Klaus Chilima died in a plane crash on Monday.

President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed the news of Chilima’s death in a presidential address on Tuesday, hours after amateur photos of the crash started circulating on social media platforms.

“I can only imagine how much pain and anguish you all must be having at this point in time,” the president said in his address.

Chakwera described Chilima as a distinctive man of honour, a great father and husband, as well as a great patriot who has served the nation selflessly.

“I consider it one of my greatest honour to be deputized by him in the last four years,” he added.

Nine other people aboard the aircraft with Chilima also died.

He was en route to Mzuzu to attend the burial of former Attorney General Ralph Kasambara in Nkhata Bay. His plane departed Lilongwe, the capital, at 09:17 a.m. local time on Monday and was expected to land at Mzuzu airport at 10:02 a.m. Authorities say the flight couldn’t land due to poor visibility.

At approximately 10:50 AM, ground control contacted the plane, advising the crew to return to base. This was the last communication received from the aircraft

Chilima was born on February 12, 1973.  He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their two children.