Couple Extradited to Zimbabwe for Alleged Murder of Their Four-Year-Old Niece
John Zvivi and Alista Sibanda were extradited from South Africa to Zimbabwe to face charges for the alleged murder of their four-year-old niece, Princess Shoko. The couple reportedly abused the child, leading to her death in July 2023, and attempted to conceal the crime by disposing of her body. They are currently detained, awaiting further legal proceedings.
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 murder of their four-year-old niece, Princess Shoko, in 2023. They were arrested following an extensive search and returned to Zimbabwe on March 27, 2025. The couple appeared in Harare court, where they were remanded in custody and instructed to seek bail at the High Court, with a forthcoming court date set for April 11.
In April 2023, Princess and her six-year-old sister, Susan Mandaza, were placed under the care of Alista and John after their mother, Nomsa Sibanda, traveled to South Africa. Reports indicate that the couple began to physically abuse the children and deprived them of food. Tragically, Princess suffered serious injuries and passed away on July 23, 2023.
To conceal their actions, Zvivi and Sibanda allegedly concealed Princess’s body in a sack and disposed of it in a stream in Kuwadzana Extension after informing Nomsa of her daughter’s death without offering a credible explanation. Upon returning to Zimbabwe on August 1, 2023, Nomsa reported her daughter as missing, leading to the discovery of the body the next day in Dzivarasekwa, Harare. The body was identified, and the autopsy findings remain inconclusive pending toxicology tests.
The extradition of John Zvivi and Alista Sibanda from South Africa marks a crucial step in addressing the tragic case of their niece’s murder. The couple faces serious allegations of child abuse leading to death, highlighting the pressing need for justice and protection for vulnerable children. As the legal proceedings unfold, the circumstances surrounding Princess Shoko’s untimely death continue to emphasize the importance of responsible guardianship and the consequences of neglect.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
