Solemn funeral held for 9 police officers killed in presidential motorcade
Hundreds of people on Sunday attended the funeral of the 9 police officers who died Saturday in a terrible accident in Balaka held at Police College in Zomba.
The officers, from Zomba, drove to Balaka to join the presidential convoy which was coming from Lilongwe to Machinga where President Peter Mutharika travelled for installation of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kapoloma.
In the solemn and mourning atmosphere, coffins of the cops draped in the flag of the Malawi Police Service were laid at the ground of the Police College in Zomba as they were accorded full police honour.
Sorrow prevailed among the families of the officers, whose deaths have left great pain behind.
The nine police officers were from Police Mobile Service (MPS) were Senior Superintendent Kasowanjete, Inspector Namizinga, and Sub-Inspector Mhango, driver Sergeant Gondwe, Sergeant Njikho, Sergeant Mulenga, Constable Chimenya, Constable Sekelani Chilenje and Constable Triza Mphande.
“It’s a very sad day today to lose nine dedicated police officers,” Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Paul Chibingu said.
He conveyed a message of condolence from President Peter Mutharika, commander-in-chief of the police.
“The President is deeply shocked and extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this fatal accident, the Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service, all Police Officers and Civilian Staff and the nation. Government pledges its support in this trying time to the bereaved families,” Chibingu said.
Newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Paul Kanyama said: “It’s a terrible day for the Malawi Police Service. Our hearts are broken.”
The incident took place when the police officers were escorting Mutharika to Machinga district where he was going to elevate a traditional leader to a senior position.
Mutharika had travelled by road from capital Lilongwe to Machinga, some 325 kilometres. The President’s vehicle was not involved in the accident.
Former president Bakili Muluzi attended the funeral ceremony in Zomba and said in an interview that he conveyed the condolences from the Kapoloma clan since the police officers died on their way escorting the Head of State where he went to crown Chief Kapoloma.
“The Kapoloma family requested me to represent them and convey a message of condolence. We are sending our thoughts, prayers and sympathies to the bereaved families and the national police service,” said Muluzi.
The Saturday accident occurred barely 12 hours after a lorry missed a road in Nkhatabay district and killed seven people on board and injured many.
The death of the sixteen people within 12 hours has saddened the nation and the police have since called on the public to drive safely, especially during the festive season.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :