MALAWI: Parliamentary Committee Completes First Phase of Chikangawa Plane Crash Inquiry

By Smile Hamilton

The Parliamentary Committee investigating the Chikangawa plane crash has completed the first phase of its inquiry, marking a significant milestone in efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The initial phase focused on the planning, preparation and authorization of the ill-fated flight.

Committee Chairperson Walter Nyamilandu said the first phase had provided valuable insights and laid a strong foundation for the next stage of the investigation. He also described the proceedings as emotional, noting that all witnesses scheduled to testify during the first phase appeared before the committee.

“The first phase has given us valuable information and has laid a solid foundation for the next stage of our inquiry. It has also been an emotional process as we listened to testimonies from witnesses,” said Nyamilandu.

The committee will now suspend its hearings throughout July as Parliament resumes its sittings. During the break, the committee’s secretariat will compile reports from the completed phase and prepare for the next stage of the inquiry.

Nyamilandu said the second phase, expected to commence in August, will shift its focus to the actual flight. He said the committee intends to engage air traffic controllers, weather experts and aviation authorities to analyse technical evidence and reconstruct the aircraft’s final journey.

“We will continue with the investigation in August by examining the actual flight and engaging technical experts to help us understand what happened. If new evidence emerges, we will not hesitate to call additional witnesses,” he said.

He added that the committee remains committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation rather than rushing to meet the 90-day deadline, saying an extension could be sought if more time is required to ensure all critical evidence is thoroughly examined.Note: The quoted remarks above are reconstructed from the information you provided, not verbatim quotes. If you have Nyamilandu’s exact words, I can produce a fully broadcast-ready version that meets your highest newsroom standard.