Plans are at an advanced stage to conduct an independent probe into the tragic plane crash that killed vice president Saulos Chilima and eight others, a government spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu told the press in Lilongwe, that the government is actively seeking an independent inquiry from international experts to produce a reliable report.

“We are receiving positive feedback from foreign experts and companies specializing in air crash investigations. Even this evening, we have a meeting scheduled to discuss this issue,” Kunkuyu said.

He added, “This investigation is a response to the calls from the family, friends, the church, and all Malawians. As government, we are also committed to uncovering the reasons behind the crash that claimed the lives of our compatriots.”

“We will inform the public about the commencement of the investigation and the entities involved. Once the investigation is completed, we will share the results with the public,” he said.

Additionally, the minister announced that during the mourning period, President Lazarus Chakwera canceled his trip to attend the inauguration of South African President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa.

“Instead, the president has designated Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tembo to represent him,” Kunkuyu said.

Details on the funds used by the government for all funeral-related activities will be disclosed on Thursday this week.