Malawi's vice president has been laid to rest as the president calls for an independent investigation into his death

BLANTIER, Malawi (AP) – Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima was buried Monday in his village south of the capital, with President Lazarus Chakwera calling for an independent investigation into his death in a plane crash.

Chilima and nine others Died in a plane crash in Mzimba, Malawi's northern region, last week.

A state funeral was held at the Bingu Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday, where Chakwera and other dignitaries paid their last respects to the late Vice President.

Chakwera in his speech called for an independent investigation into the accident.

“We have tears in our eyes wanting to know what is delaying the search for this plane. … I want to assure you, Malawians, that this accident will be investigated by an independent expert,” Chakwera said to jeers from the crowd.

There were hundreds of soldiers, police officers and forest rangers Searched for more than 24 hours Before the wreckage was discovered in a forest garden south of Mzuzu.

The plane was on a short flight from Lilongwe to the northern city of Mjuju when it went missing last Monday morning. Chakwera had earlier said air traffic controllers told the plane not to land at Muju and return to Lilongwe due to bad weather and poor visibility. Air traffic controllers then lost contact with the aircraft.

On Sunday, Chakwera called for unity and patience as the investigation continued, saying, “We need answers, but we need to remain calm and support each other in these difficult times.”

He said the Malawi Defense Force could not conduct an investigation “that itself could be credible, so we need an independent investigation.” He did not elaborate.

The military fires a 19-gun salute as the body is buried, followed by a long trumpet post and reveille.

Among those who laid wreaths were Chakwera, three former presidents of Malawi and Chilima's wives, children and relatives.

The Chilima family also called for an independent investigation.

“We are grateful to the pathologists who carried out the tests to confirm the death, but a thorough investigation is needed into exactly what happened. Such investigations are important to ensure that such accidents do not happen again,” said Ben Chilima, brother of the late vice-president.

In another tragic accident, four people died Sunday during a funeral when a car rammed into pedestrians, authorities said.