Leader of opposition in the August House Kondwani Nankhumwa who is also the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice president for the southern region has described the death of two cabinet ministers Sidik Mia and Lingson Belekanyama as shocking.

In a press statement made available to Face of Malawi Nankhumwa said a tragedy has befallen on Malawi following the death of the two senior government officials who have succumbed to te global pandemic Coronavirus.

Last week, Mia and Belekanyama announced that they tested positive for Covid-19 but assured Malawians that they are doing fine. It is yesterday that Mia who was the Minister of Transport and Public Works was admitted at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH).

“I wish to convey my deepest condolences and sympathies to His Excellency President Lazarus Chakwera, government, the people of Malawi, families, relatives and friends following the untimely deaths of Honourable Lingson Belekanyama, MP, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, and Honourable Muhammad Sidik Mia, Minister of Transport and Public Works and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Vice President, who succumbed to COVID-19,” Coronavirus.

According to Nankhumwa, Malawi has lost most “humble and hardworking politicians whose selfless contribution to the political, social and economic development of this country cannot go unnoticed.”

He also paid respect to over 200 Malawians who have died of Covid-19 since the pandemic started he also conveyed deepest condolences to their families and friends on their loss.

Nankhumwa continued by asking Malawians not to relent in the fight against Coronavirus saying it is the only way to honor those who died from the virus adding that the spread of Covid-19 can be halted if we can join hands.

“I wish to join His Excellency President Chakwera in reminding Malawians that the Coronavirus is still out there and that we need not be complacent.

Let us all continue to wear face masks, washing our hands regularly, observing social distance and using sanitizers,” he said.

Nankhumwa added; “I also wish to convey my best wishes to all Malawians, including cabinet ministers, who have tested positive for COVID-19. I wish them a speedy recovery. The Holy Bible speaks of miraculous healing through Jesus Christ and faith in God. The Almighty God always provides comfort and healing for us all.”

He concluded by recommending frontline health workers who are fighting against Covid-19 for their work and dedication to duty as they continue saving lives and help the country.