President Dr Lazarus Chakwera is this afternoon witnessing the departure of the body of the former First Lady Madame Shanil Dzimbiri from Sunset Funeral Home in Kanengo to her home in Balaka.

The funeral ceremony has started with a mass which is being presided over by Archbishop Desmond Tambala of the Archdiocese of Lilongwe.

Former President Dr. Bakili Muluzi and his children are also in attendance.

Also present at the funeral is former President Dr. Joyce Banda and Justice Richard Banda SC.

Madame Shanil Dzimbiri will be buried with full military honour in Balaka tomorrow.