Four people, including a pregnant woman, were killed when a vehicle attempting to avoid the convoy carrying the body of the late Malawi Vice-President Saulos Chilima struck a group of mourners.
Witnesses report that twelve others were injured and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
The tragic incident occurred amid clashes between local residents, police, and soldiers escorting the vice-president’s funeral convoy from the capital, Lilongwe, to his home village for burial.
Chilima, who died in a plane crash a week ago, was laid to rest on Monday in Ntcheu, approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) south of the capital.
As the convoy made its way through the area near Chilima’s home, tensions escalated when some mourners began throwing stones at government vehicles and officials. In the ensuing chaos, a privately owned vehicle swerved off the road to avoid the convoy and collided with the mourners.
Two men and two women lost their lives in the accident, according to a police statement. Contrary to earlier reports, the vehicle was not part of the official convoy.
Felix Njawala, spokesman for Chilima’s UTM party, described the tension along the route, noting that mourners in Dedza blocked the road, demanding to see the coffin. The convoy eventually continued after the situation was calmed.
Chilima’s death has sparked a strong emotional response across the nation. On Sunday, tens of thousands of Malawians attended a funeral service at the national stadium to pay their respects.
Known for his magnetic personality and connection with the youth, Mr. Chilima was seen as a refreshing presence in Malawian politics. His party, UTM, formed a coalition government with President Lazarus Chakwera’s party after the 2020 elections.
In 2022, Mr. Chilima faced corruption charges, which were dropped last month. He consistently denied any wrongdoing. The circumstances surrounding his death have led to criticism from some of his supporters, who expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the incident by booing President Chakwera during his eulogy at the funeral service.
President Chakwera has pledged a thorough investigation into the cause of the plane crash that claimed the lives of Mr. Chilima and eight others.
The UTM party has condemned the violence and urged supporters to maintain peace, reflecting Mr. Chilima’s advocacy for harmony. “We cannot tolerate violence, Dr. Chilima advocated for peace, let us do the same,” stated UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati, as reported by state broadcaster MBC.
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