By Shadrack Nyakoe
Malawi government has announced changes to the funeral arrangements for the late Vice President Saulos Chilima.
In response to family’s requests, his body will now lie in state for a longer period.
Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu stated in a Friday press briefing that President Lazarus Chakwera will lead mourners in collecting Chilima’s body from Goodwill Funeral Services on Friday afternoon.
A memorial service, initially scheduled for 9 a.m., will now take place at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Church.
“The program has changed to accommodate the family’s request to have the body of the late Saulos Chilima lie in state at Area 12 for the night,” Kunkuyu explained.
On Saturday morning, Chilima’s body will be moved to the Parliament Building for an official state funeral service and will remain there until Sunday, allowing the public and officials to pay their respects.
“The family has requested that the death not be politicized and that peace be maintained during this difficult time,” Kunkuyu added.
On Sunday morning, President Chakwera will lead mourners in transferring Chilima’s body to Bingu National Stadium for a state funeral service.
The body will then be taken to Nsipe in the Ntcheu district for burial on Monday.
Kunkuyu also mentioned that the Malawi Defense Force might use communications between the victims and colleagues as evidence in their investigations if necessary.
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