Former Miss Zambia Cynthia Chikwanda has pleaded not guilty to possession of stolen property. In this case, the former beauty queen and Benjamin Chitunhu, a Zimbabwean, are jointly charged with possession of stolen properties. Chitunhu is facing theft charges linked to stolen vehicles at the University of Zambia (UNZA).

It is alleged that on December 17 last year, Chitunhu stole a Toyota Allion registration number 8125 worth K62,000 belonging to Mr Patel Bhavin Kumar. In the second count, it is alleged that on January 23 this year, Chitunhu wilfully and unlawfully damaged a rear screen and motor vehicle ignition worth K2,300 belonging to Honest Sichone.

In the third count, it is alleged that on January 1 this year, Chitunhu had a car bearing registration number ALB 4845 which was reasonably suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained. In the fourth count, it is alleged that on January 1 this year, Chikwanda and Chitunhu had two triangles tagged with registration number ALT 8125, which are suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained.

Yesterday, Chikwanda and Chitunhu appeared before magistrate David Simusamba for plea and denied the charges. After the court adjourned the matter to March 20 this year for trial, the court heard that Chikwanda and Chitunhu have not met the bail conditions and will remain in custody.
Chikwanda, a sales and marketing manager, was covering her head with a floral cloth.

The two suspects are also appearing in two other courts facing several charges, among them illegal possession of dye which is used in stamps and tampering with evidence.