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Four mourners were tragically killed and at least 12 others injured when a vehicle in the funeral procession of Malawi’s late Vice President Saulos Chilima collided with them in Ntcheu village, central Malawi, on Sunday night.
The incident occurred as the motorcade, including military, police, and civilian vehicles, was en route to Nsipe, Chilima’s hometown located 180 kilometers (110 miles) south of the capital Lilongwe. Chilima’s burial on Monday has been designated a public holiday.
Malawian police spokesman Peter Kalaya confirmed the details in a statement on Monday morning, stating, “Two female and two male pedestrians sustained severe head injuries and multiple fractures and died while receiving treatment.”
An eyewitness recounted to AFP that the vehicle veered into the crowd while maneuvering to navigate around volatile onlookers. Felix Njawala, spokesman for Chilima’s party, acknowledged tensions along the route as mourners insisted the procession halt so they could pay respects to the coffin.
Njawala further informed AFP that in Dedza, locals blocked the road, demanding to view the coffin. The convoy paused to appease the crowd, which eventually allowed it to proceed, although some individuals reportedly threw stones during the incident.
Despite acknowledging concerns from party supporters, Njawala appealed for calm. The party had previously called for an investigation into the recent plane crash involving a military aircraft carrying Malawi’s Vice President and other officials, which resulted in no survivors after the wreckage was located following an extensive search.
