Two soldiers who were missing after their rescue boat capsized on Tchuchira River have spent a night in a tree waiting for rescue.

Defence minister Harry Mkandawire says these are the soldiers who were among the five soldiers and one civilian, whose boat capsized on a rescue mission.

He said, “Our swimmers spotted them last night and have managed to talk to them this morning. We are hopeful that we will bring them to safety.”

The soldiers were accompanied by a civilian who managed to swim ashore with two others soldiers, with testimony that about 100 people most of which learners are trapped on the other side.