By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, October 12, Mana: Deputy Inspector General of Malawi Police Service responsible for operations Late Casper Chalera has been laid to rest at his home in the area of Senior Chief Lukwa in Kasungu District.

Aged 59, Chalera succumbed to a heart attack on Tuesday in Lilongwe.

At exactly 1:35 pm on Friday, Chalera's casket was lowered to the ground with fanfare and a gun salute in a police funeral drill.

Representing President Dr Lazarus Chakwera, Malawi Congress Party Regional Chairman for the Centre, Zebron Chilondola described the late Chalera as an asset in the police who ensured that there is a cordial relationship between the service and communities.

"The President is saddened by the demise of Mr Chalera and extends his condolences to the family and the entire Malawi Police Service.

"The country has lost a humble and hardworking man who could relate well with everyone and was a bridge between the public and the police service," Chilondola said.

In his eulogy, Senior Chief Lukwa said the Late Chalera was a role model to the youths in Kasungu.

"As a son of Kasungu, he was a pride for us and a role model to boys and girls because of his exploits that saw him rise and attain a senior managerial position in the police.

"We thank the Inspector General for the love and the good work you showed and did to our son. We know the President also loved him," Lukwa said.

He appealed to the chiefs in the area and family members to ensure that the widow and the children are protected and own the deceased estate.

Representatives of the family and Malawi Police Service described the Late Chalera as a loving and hard-working person.

Police Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Madalitso Kazombo, Kasungu District Commissioner James Kanyangalazi, chiefs and political party functionaries attended the ceremony. 

Born in 1965, the Late Chalera joined the police service in 1988 and was appointed Deputy Inspector General of Police responsible for operations in 2022.

He is survived by a wife and three children.