Updated: 9 Malawi Police officers killed in presidential convoy accident identified: APM send condelences
Nine police officers escorting Malawi President Peter Mutharika’s convoy have died in a horrific road accident in the southern district of Balaka, police have confirmed.
The 9 died in Balaka district, about 260km to the south of the capital, when the vehicle they were traveling in failed to negotiate a corner and veered off the road, ramming into a tree killing eight officers on spot while one died on the way to hospital.
Balaka Police Spokesperson Moses Sauka confirmed the incident and said there was no survivor.
“I can confirm that we have lost colleagues in the accident,” Sauka, said.
“They were rushed to the district hospital but unfortunately some have died on arrival,” he said.
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 kilometers. The President’s vehicle was not involved in the accident.
According to the sources, the vehicle was the last car on the presidential convoy, which normally cruises between 120 and 150 kilometers per hour.
Sauka said that investigations were underway to establish the cause of the accident.
Government identified those involved in this fatal accident as :Senior Superintendent Kasowanjete, Inspector Namizinga, Sub-Inspector Mhango, driver Sergeant Gondwe, Sergeant Njikho, Sergeant Mulenga, Constable Chimenya, Constable Sekelani Chilenje and Constable Triza Mphande.
Presidential condolence
Meanwhile, President Mutharika has said he “ deeply regrets” the death of the police officers and has send the message of condolences to the bereaved familes.
“Government and Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika President of the Republic of Malawi deeply regrets the fatal road accident involving Malawi Police Service Officers that happened today, 6th December 2014 at Chiyendausiku 2 in Balaka District, involving motor vehicle registration MP 2252 Toyota Land cruiser where nine (9) officers died in the course of duty,” reads the statement issued late Saturday night by Minister of Informations, Kondwani Nankhumwa
“The President and Government extends their 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,” the statement added.
The Saturday accident occurred barely 12 hours after a lory 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.
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So sad
Mwawakhimila iwe mwana mu lomwe Petulo
May your soul rest in internal peace.We are all heading to the same destiny only njira yopitira kwathu kumwamba differs.
Rest in piece, ndiye mwati afera dziko eti?
De 1 2 Resist Dese Z God,so May Glory B 2 De Owner Of Everyding.
May the government fully look after the children of the deceased interms of paying school fees for them.
very painful to the family and Government RIP
Rest in peace officers,,and sory kwa anthu amene akhuzidwa ndi malilowa komanso anamfedwa,sory for this,,ndikatelo ndimakumbukila my hello,my brother the late WALIYAJAJA KUMBANI
W’ll physically miss u officers, but spiritually w r together. May Gud lord accept and save ur souls until w meet again. RIP
The convoys are too big – the motive is that if you travel with the presidential convoy you’ll get some allowances but really the President of Malawi doesn’t need such a large escort because no one is planning to harm the President. In fact the biggest danger for our President is that the large convoy is has an accident that also involves the vehicle carrying the President. We’ve all experienced how fast these convoys move at – I’ve felt in danger myself when these convoys suddenly appear approaching you at very high speeds. Please Mr President pay police a decent… Read more »