Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Court Correspondent
THE State has separated charges against a couple extradited from South Africa, accused of the brutal murder of their four-year-old niece in 2023.
John Zvivi (36) and Alista Sibanda (35) were brought back to Zimbabwe on March 27, 2025, after their case gained widespread attention on social media, leading to their arrest and eventual extradition.
Presently in remand, the couple faces charges of murder and ill-treatment of a minor. The trial for the ill-treatment case is set for May 22, while investigations into the murder are ongoing.
They are scheduled to return to court on May 27 for a routine remand.
The State alleges that the tragic events unfolded in April 2023 when the deceased, Princess Shoko, and her six-year-old sister, Susan Mandaza, were left in the care of Sibanda and her husband in Zvimba.
The children are the daughters of Alista’s younger sister, Nomsa Sibanda, who had returned to South Africa.
It is claimed that the couple began to abuse the children, subjecting them to physical assaults and depriving them of food.
In July 2023, the abuse escalated, resulting in Princess Shoko succumbing to her injuries on July 23.
In an attempt to conceal their crime, Zvivi and Sibanda allegedly placed the child’s remains in a sack and hid them in the boot of a red Honda Fit with Botswana number plates.
They then drove to Kuwadzana Extension, where they disposed of the body in a stream in Dzivaresekwa.
The court revealed that the couple informed Nomsa Sibanda of her daughter’s death but failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.
Troubled by their vague account, Sibanda returned to Zimbabwe and reported a missing person’s case to ZRP Dzivaresekwa on August 1, 2023. The following day, Princess Shoko’s body was discovered in the stream.
Sibanda identified her daughter’s remains, which were taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital for a post-mortem.
The cause of death was inconclusive pending toxicology results.
Fearing arrest, the couple fled to South Africa. However, their alleged crime attracted significant attention on social media, leading to their apprehension by South African authorities. After months of legal proceedings, they were extradited to Zimbabwe to face trial.
