THREE Zimbabwean nationals have been dragged to court over the theft of over K61,000 from a motor vehicle at Manda Hill shopping mall.

Khumbulani Dube 35, Bongani Yuma 38, both of Chunga Township and George Kamanda 33, have pleaded not guilty to one count of theft from a motor vehicle contrary to section 276(c) of the penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence allege that on May 13, 2021, the trio jointly and whilst acting together, stole K61,700 cash from a motor vehicle namely Toyota Belta registration number BLA 2089, which is believed to be property belonging to Franchesca Chishala of Lusaka’s Meanwood area.

Recently, police deputy spokesperson Danny Mwale disclosed that the trio were arrested after Chishala, 33, withdrew money from a bank at Arcades and went to Manda Hill to buy school items for her children.

“After shopping, the woman (Chishala) drove off but along the way, she noticed that her car rear window had been damaged. When she stopped and checked the vehicle, she noticed her money had been stolen,” said Mwale.

When the matter came up for plea, Wednesday, before Magistrate Faides Hamaundu, Dube, Yuma and Kamanda pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The trio were then granted K5,000 bail each in their own recognisance with two working sureties in the like sum but should be based in Lusaka.

The matter has since been adjourned to June 10, 2021 for mention.