The funeral ceremony for Colonel Owen Sambalopa is underway in Malosa-Zomba.
Eulogies are currently being delivered, with Minister of Defence Harry Mkandawire representing the state president.
Attendees have been advised to avoid noise in the graveyards, and women wearing strong perfume are asked to stay in a nearby garden to avoid attracting bees.
Col. Sambalopa was the pilot of the military plane that crashed on Monday, killing all on board, including the vice president.
He is survived by his wife, five children, and a grandson.
