Couple Extradited to Zimbabwe for Alleged Murder of 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. They are accused of subjecting the child to abuse before concealing her death. They will appear in court again on April 11, 2025, as the prosecution unfolds.

A married couple, John Zvivi (36) and Alista Sibanda (35), has been extradited from South Africa to Zimbabwe to face charges related to the alleged killing of their four-year-old niece, Princess Shoko, in 2023. Their extradition took place on March 27, 2025, following a significant arrest in South Africa. The couple appeared before Harare Magistrate Isheunesu Matova on a Saturday, where they were remanded in custody and advised to request bail at the High Court, with a court date set for April 11.

In April 2023, Princess Shoko and her six-year-old sister, Susan Mandaza, were entrusted to the care of their aunt Alista and her husband John, while their mother, Nomsa Sibanda, traveled back to South Africa. The couple allegedly subjected the children to abuse, which included physical beatings and deprivation of food. Tragically, Princess Shoko died on July 23, 2023, due to injuries sustained during this abusive period.

In an effort to conceal their actions, it is reported that the couple placed Princess Shoko’s body in a sack and disposed of it in a stream in Kuwadzana Extension after placing it in their vehicle’s boot. They informed Nomsa of her daughter’s death without providing adequate explanations. Subsequently, on August 1, 2023, Nomsa reported her daughter missing to the police in Zimbabwe.

The next day, authorities discovered the remains of the young girl in the stream in Dzvivarasekwa. The body was identified and taken for a post-mortem examination at Parirenyatwa Hospital; however, the results were inconclusive due to pending toxicology tests. In response to escalating scrutiny and the fear of capture, the couple fled to South Africa, but widespread social media coverage of the case led to their eventual arrest and extradition. Takudzwa Jambawu is prosecuting this case.

The case of John Zvivi and Alista Sibanda highlights the tragic consequences of child abuse and the complexities of international extradition processes. The couple is facing serious charges for the death of their niece, Princess Shoko, after allegedly mistreating her and her sister while in their custody. The legal proceedings will determine their culpability, emphasizing the need for accountability in such grave matters.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com