Chairperson of the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee investigating the plane crash that claimed the lives of former Vice President Saulos Chilima and eight others, Walter Nyamilandu, has warned witnesses against providing false testimony, saying anyone found misleading the inquiry will face legal consequences.

Nyamilandu issued the warning on Thursday after the committee heard evidence from five witnesses as part of its ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal military aircraft crash.

Among those who appeared before the committee were former Secretary in the Office of the Vice President Dr. Luckie Sikwese and the current Secretary, Eric Yesaya.

A significant part of the hearing focused on a social media post by former Special Assistant on Media in the Office of the Vice President, Winnie Nyondo, in which she detailed events surrounding the ill-fated flight.

The committee sought clarification following reports that the post had been deleted. However, Nyondo told members of the committee that the post remains available on her social media page.

Speaking after the hearing, Nyamilandu said the committee remains committed to uncovering the truth and producing a credible report for Malawians.

“We are determined to establish the facts and ensure that our findings reflect the truth,” he said.

The committee also received testimony from former Special Events Assistant in the Office of the Vice President, Chimwemwe Kachikuwo.

The parliamentary inquiry is continuing to gather evidence from key witnesses as it seeks to establish the events leading up to the crash that claimed the lives of Chilima and eight others.

Reporter: Aspolo Mousah, Lilongwe