A couple was extradited from South Africa back to Zimbabwe to face justice for the alleged murder of their niece, four-year-old Princess Shoko, who died while in their custody. The couple, John Zvivi and Alista Sibanda, appeared in court on March 27, 2025, and were remanded ahead of further hearings. The case highlights serious issues of child abuse and neglect.
A married couple has been extradited from South Africa to Zimbabwe to face charges related to the alleged murder of their four-year-old niece in 2023. On March 27, 2025, John Zvivi (36) and Alista Sibanda (35) were returned to Zimbabwe after their arrest. They appeared before Harare Magistrate Isheunesu Matova on Saturday, who remanded them in custody and advised them to seek bail from the High Court, with a follow-up court date set for April 11.
In April 2023, Princess Shoko, aged four, and her six-year-old sister, Susan Mandaza, were under the care of their aunt Alista and her husband in Zvimba while their mother, Nomsa Sibanda, returned to South Africa. Allegations arose that the couple abused the children, subjecting them to physical violence and neglecting their basic needs. Tragically, Princess Shoko died from her injuries on July 23, 2023.
The accused allegedly attempted to conceal their crime by placing the deceased child’s body in a sack and hiding it in the boot of a Honda Fit. They subsequently drove to Kuwadzana Extension, where they disposed of her body in a stream. The court documents revealed that the couple informed Nomsa of her daughter’s death but failed to provide a credible explanation.
Following Nomsa’s return to Zimbabwe, she reported her daughter missing to the ZRP Dzivarasekwa on August 1, 2023. The next day, the body of Princess Shoko was discovered in the stream in Dzvivarasekwa, Harare. Her remains were identified and sent to Parirenyatwa Hospital for a post-mortem, although the findings were inconclusive pending toxicology results. The couple fled to South Africa in fear of arrest but were captured after their case attracted widespread attention on social media.
John Zvivi and Alista Sibanda have been extradited to Zimbabwe to face serious charges of murder following the tragic case of their niece, Princess Shoko, who lost her life while under their care. The circumstances of her death and the alleged subsequent cover-up have raised significant concerns regarding child safety in similar guardianship situations. The legal proceedings will continue, with court hearings scheduled for the near future.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
