President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has described State Vice President Dr. Saulos Chilima as a distinctive man of honour, a great father and husband, as well as a great patriot who has served the nation selflessly.

Chakwera said this when announcing the death of Chilima and nine others in a plane crash in Chikangawa Forest.

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

Other individuals in the plane were Lucas Kapheni, Chisomo Chimaneni, Shanil Dzimbiri, Dan Kanyemba, Abdul Lapukeni, Colonel Sambalopa, Major Selemani and Major Aidin, whom the president described as great men and women of the nation and their death is a great loss to the people of Malawi.

Chakwera extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Malawi Defence Force and all parties involved in the search and rescue mission.

He also extended his gratitude to all former Heads of State for the support they have pledged during these trying times.