Couple Extradited to Zimbabwe for Alleged Murder of Four-Year-Old Niece
John Zvivi and Alista Sibanda have been extradited from South Africa to Zimbabwe to face charges of murdering their four-year-old niece, Princess Shoko, in 2023. The couple allegedly abused the child, leading to her death, after which they attempted to conceal the crime. They have been remanded in custody with a court date set for April 11, 2025.
A married couple has been extradited from South Africa to Zimbabwe to face allegations of murdering their four-year-old niece in 2023. John Zvivi (36) and Alista Sibanda (35) were transported back to Zimbabwe on March 27, 2025, following their apprehension in South Africa. Both individuals appeared in court before Magistrate Isheunesu Matova, who remanded them in custody and instructed them to seek bail at the High Court, with a follow-up court date scheduled for April 11.
The unfortunate events transpired in April 2023 when the victim, Princess Shoko, aged four, and her six-year-old sister, Susan Mandaza, were left in the care of their aunt and uncle in Zvimba. Their mother, Nomsa Sibanda, who is Alista’s sister, left the children under the couple’s supervision upon returning to South Africa. Allegations indicate that the couple subjected the children to abusive treatment, including physical beatings and severe neglect regarding food.
Court proceedings revealed that Princess Shoko died from injuries sustained due to the abuse on July 23, 2023. In an attempt to conceal their actions, the couple reportedly placed the child’s body in a sack and transported it in the boot of a Honda Fit before discarding it in a stream at Kuwadzana Extension. They later informed Nomsa of her daughter’s death but failed to provide a credible explanation.
Nomsa returned to Zimbabwe and, on August 1, 2023, filed a missing person’s report at ZRP Dzivarasekwa. The following day, authorities discovered the child’s remains in a stream in Dzvivarasekwa, Harare. The body was positively identified, and a post-mortem was conducted; however, some toxicology results are still pending. Fearing arrest, the couple fled to South Africa, but media attention surrounding the case led to their subsequent arrest and extradition.
The extradition of John Zvivi and Alista Sibanda marks a significant step in their legal proceedings concerning the tragic death of their niece. The couple’s return to Zimbabwe highlights the continuing efforts of law enforcement to address serious allegations of child abuse and murder. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities entrusted to caregivers and the potential consequences of their failure to protect vulnerable individuals.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
