A couple accused of the gruesome murder of their four-year-old niece in 2023 and fleeing to South Africa has been extradited to Zimbabwe to stand trial.
John Zvivi (36) and Alista Sibanda (35) were returned to the country on March 27, 2025, after their case went viral on social media, leading to their capture and extradition.
The duo appeared before Harare magistrate Mr. Isheunesu Matova on Saturday. They were remanded in custody and advised to seek bail from the High Court. Their next court appearance is scheduled for April 11, pending formal indictment.
The case dates back to April 2023, when the deceased, Princess Shoko, and her six-year-old sister, Susan Mandaza, were placed under the care of Sibanda and her husband in Zvimba. Their mother, Nomsa Sibanda—Alista’s sister—had left the children with the couple while she traveled to South Africa.
According to the prosecution, led by Mr. Takudzwa Jambawu, the couple subjected the two children to severe abuse, including physical assaults and food deprivation.
In July 2023, the situation escalated when Princess succumbed to her injuries, tragically passing away on July 23, 2023.
To hide their crime, Zvivi and Sibanda allegedly placed the child’s body in a sack and transported it in the boot of a red Honda Fit with Botswana number plates. They then drove to Kuwadzana Extension, where they dumped the body in a stream.
The accused later informed Nomsa Sibanda of her daughter’s death but failed to provide her with a satisfactory explanation. Suspicious of their account, Nomsa returned to Zimbabwe and reported a missing person’s case to ZRP Dzivarasekwa on August 1, 2023.
The next day, Princess Shoko’s remains were discovered in a stream in Dzivarasekwa. Nomsa identified her daughter’s body, which was taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital for a post-mortem. However, the cause of death could not be immediately determined as toxicology tests were still pending.
Fearing legal consequences, the couple fled to South Africa. However, their alleged crime resurfaced when the case gained traction on social media, sparking public outcry.
Authorities in South Africa apprehended Zvivi and Sibanda, and after months of legal proceedings, they were extradited to Zimbabwe to face charges. Now back in the country, the couple awaits trial as justice takes its course.
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