By Synd Kalimbuka
Charles Kasambala, elder brother to former Attorney General Ralph Kasambala, has appeared before the Parliamentary Ad-hoc Committee investigating the Chikangawa plane crash.
Kasambala appeared before the committee at Parliament in Lilongwe, where he provided testimony on events that followed the death of his brother.
During his presentation, he explained the family’s efforts to transport Ralph Kasambala’s remains from Lilongwe to Nkhata Bay for burial.
He told the committee that the long distance to the northern district prompted the family to explore alternative transport arrangements.
According to Kasambala, the family engaged lawyer Wapona Kita to assist in facilitating the transportation process.
Kita subsequently contacted Brigadier General Dan Kuwali to help secure a military aircraft that could carry the body to Mzuzu.
Kasambala said discussions were held regarding the cost of hiring the aircraft for the journey.
He revealed that the quotation provided for the aircraft was K9 million.
However, the family initially managed to pay K6 million, with an agreement that the remaining balance would be settled at a later stage.
The witness further informed the committee that the arrangements were made ahead of Ralph Kasambala’s burial in Nkhata Bay.
He said the family later learned that then Vice President Saulos Chilima was scheduled to use the same aircraft the following day.
The Parliamentary Ad-hoc Committee continues to gather testimonies from various witnesses as part of its ongoing investigation into circumstances surrounding the Chikangawa plane crash.
