malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
POLICE have begun processes for the extradition of a couple from Zvimba, Mashonaland West province, that is accused of killing a four-year-old minor left in their custody by a relative before fleeing to South Africa.
John Zvivi and Lister Sibanda were apprehended by the public early last week, before being surrendered to South African police.
They are also wanted for injuring the deceased minor’s six-year-old sister sometime this month. They reportedly stashed the victim’s body in a 25kg sack before dumping it in a stream along the Harare-Bulawayo road, between Kuwadzana Extension and Glaudina in Harare. Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development.
“I can confirm that all due processes have been done and all the documentation has been put in place for the couple’s extradition,” he said.
“The two have to go through the South African processes before their extradition, and it is that process we have to follow.
“Remember, whenever someone has been arrested, they have to go through court processes .Once that is done, according to the South African laws, then they have to be extradited into the country.”
The couple is likely to be charged with murder and attempted murder.
The deceased, who police have identified as Princess Shoko, was left in the couple’s custody, together with her six-year-old sister, by their mother, Nomsa — Sibanda’s sister — who is based in South Africa.
Circumstances are that the children’s mother and her children came for a holiday in April and stayed at the couple’s house in Vantage. On May 19, the mother returned to South Africa, leaving the children with the couple after Lister had insisted they remain with her. Sometime in June 2023, the couple told the children’s mother that the now-deceased was not feeling well and that she needed to send some money. But Nomsa advised them that she was making arrangements to travel back to Zimbabwe to take care of the children.
A fortnight ago, Nomsa advised the couple that she was on her way to Zimbabwe, but was surprised to receive a WhatsApp audio message from the couple, saying the four-year-old had suddenly fallen ill and died.
They also told her they had buried the body in Zaka, Masvingo. On arrival, Nomsa requested to be shown where they had buried her daughter, but they failed to give her a satisfactory explanation.
She also discovered that her eldest daughter had injuries all over her body, which prompted her to file a police report.
The offence came to light after a self-proclaimed prophet stumbled on the minor’s remains.
Asst Comm Nyathi said: “They are suspected of having assaulted a four-year-old to death, and her sibling, who is admitted to Parirenyatwa. The couple was seen by neighbours assaulting the children with electric cables and switches . . .”
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