State Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima has expressed shock over the death of Archbishop Tarcisius Ziyaye of Lilongwe Archdiocese.

Ziyaye, 71, passed on in the early hours of Monday in Namibia where he went for medical treatment.

Writing on his official facebook page, Chilima said he was saddened with the demise of Ziyaye.

“We are mortified and immobilized with deep grief to learn of your departure from us your flock.You were an amazing Shepherd and you sought and fought for all God’s children with utmost zeal and undiminishing passion.

“You stood for the truth and defended the weak and the powerless against all earthly excesses of power and privilege. Our deepest prayer is that from the sanctuary of God’s amazing kingdom,you continue to pray for our nation never to lose the democratic gains for which you fought with all your essence,” wrote Chilima.

Born on May 19, 1949, Ziyaye was ordained priest in 1977 and appointed auxillary bishop of Dedza Diocese in 1991.