APM pledges support, five members of Eli Njuchi Band die in Ntcheu road tragedy

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

Malawi has been plunged into mourning following the death of five members of popular musician Eli Njuchi’s band in a tragic road accident that occurred at Senzani near Chitale in Ntcheu District.

President Peter Mutharika has pledged that government will cover all funeral expenses for the five musicians to ensure they are laid to rest with dignity and honor.

In a statement, President Mutharika said the decision was made to recognize the important contribution the artists made to Malawi’s music industry.

The President expressed deep sorrow, saying he and the First Lady were heartbroken by the loss of talented individuals whose skills helped elevate the country’s music scene.

He described the incident as especially painful, noting that the artists lost their lives while traveling to bring joy and entertainment to others in Lilongwe.

The band members were on their way to Lilongwe to participate in a major music event dubbed The Hive Experience, organized by Eli Njuchi.

The deceased musicians have been identified as Elivacy Matamando Muyaba, Wilfred Kupengule Jnr, Vincent Mkwinda, McFarlen Banda, and Raphael Chitsonga.

In his remarks, Second Vice President Enock Kanzingeni Chihana and his family have also expressed deep sadness over the accident

In a condolence message, Chihana has conveyed sympathies to the bereaved families and the entire creative community affected by the tragedy.

He encouraged Eli Njuchi to remain strong, assuring him that the whole nation is mourning together with him.

The Musicians Union of Malawi (MUM) has also expressed shock and grief over the deaths of the five band members.

MUM President Vita Chirwa said the loss has left many musicians devastated, as some of the deceased were mentors and supporters of upcoming artists.

According to police, the fatal accident involved a Nissan Tiida saloon car and a Toyota Hilux.

Ntcheu Police spokesperson Jacob Khembo confirmed that the Nissan Tiida, registration number BW 2001, was traveling from Zalewa to Chingeni carrying four passengers.

Upon reaching the Chitale area near Senzani, the vehicle collided with a Toyota Hilux registration number IT 7102.

The Toyota Hilux was being driven by a 42-year-old Zimbabwean national identified as Ezekiel Mathabili.
Following the collision, all occupants of the Nissan Tiida sustained serious injuries.

They were rushed to Balaka District Hospital for urgent medical attention.

Police reported that four of the victims were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

The fifth victim later died while receiving treatment, bringing the total number of fatalities to five.

As a result of the tragedy, Eli Njuchi has canceled his highly anticipated concert, The Hive Experience.

The event was scheduled to take place at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

In a statement, the artist said the cancellation would allow time for funeral arrangements and collective mourning with the affected families.

Police investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing, and authorities have indicated that more details will be released once inquiries are completed.