A 26-year-old Lusaka woman has appeared in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a five months old baby identified as Anold Mukombola.

Monica Mutale of John Laing compound has pleaded not guilty to a charge of child stealing.

When the matter came up before Lusaka magistrate Felix Kaoma, Mutale said she understood the charge but denied the allegations.

The matter comes up on November 1 for trial.

According to facts before court, Monica stole the said child from its mother, Lydia, who was selling chips to patrons at a bar on September 7, 2017.

The facts also indicate that Monica presented herself as a good Samaritan who offered to baby sit as the mother prepared food for sale.

Monica’s neighbours reported her to police when they noticed that the child was crying uncontrollably which made them the events to news item they had watched of a stolen baby.

The neighbours also told police that they were also suspicious because Monica lied that the baby two weeks old when his looks proved otherwise.