Former Miss Zambia Cynthia Chikwanda has pleaded not guilty to being in possession of stolen property and dye used for making stamps.

Chikwanda, who was crowned Miss Zambia in 1999, is facing two counts before Magistrate Kate Sakwanda’s court and another count before Magistrate Humphrey Chitalu.

In some of the charges, she is jointly-charged with Benjamin Chitunuh, a Zimbabwean who was recently arrested on suspected theft of motor vehicles at the University of Zambia, and he’s also pleaded not guilty.

Before Magistrate Sakwanda’s court, Chikwanda and Chitunhu are charged with possession of property believed to have been stolen.

Particulars of the offence in the first count allege that on January 24, 2019, Chikwanda and Chitunhu working with other persons unknown had in their possession assorted parts of a motor vehicle registration number ALJ 8125.

In the second count, Chikwanda is charged with destroying evidence, contrary to section 111 of the Penal Code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence allege that between January 23 and 24, this year, Chikwanda knowingly and willfully destroyed assorted parts of a motor vehicle registration number ALJ 8125, which were required as evidence in court.

And when the matter came up for plea, the duo denied the charges.

The Court has since granted the duo bail of K8,000 with two working sureties employed in reputable organizations.

And before Magistrate Chitalu’s court, Chikwanda is jointly-charged with Chitunhu for being in possession of dye used for making stamps.

It is alleged that on January 1, 2019, in Lusaka, the duo jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown, had in their possession, dyes, four wire cutters and two revert guns for the purpose of making stamps.

The duo, however, denied the charge.

And when the two applied for bail, the State lawyer Brian Sianyengo objected to the application, saying the two were likely to commit a similar offence and interfere with evidence.

The court, however, granted them K10,000 cash bail.

Meanwhile, Chikwanda and Chitunhu are also expected to appear before Magistrate David Simusamba’s court on similar offences.

They will appear before Magistrate Simusamba on February 6, 2019, for plea and February 11, in Magistrate Chitalu’s court.

They will further appear before Magistrate Sakwanda’s court on February 25, 2019, for trial.