By Dorrothy Moyo | A couple accused of the brutal murder of their four-year-old niece and dumping her body in a stream in 2023 has been extradited from South Africa to face justice in Zimbabwe.
John Zvivi (36) and his wife Alista Sibanda (35) arrived back in the country on March 27, 2025, following their arrest in South Africa. The extradition came after details of the horrific case resurfaced and spread rapidly on social media, sparking public outrage and prompting action by authorities.
The pair appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Isheunesu Matova on Saturday, where they were remanded in custody. They were advised to approach the High Court for bail and are expected back in court on April 11 pending their formal indictment.
According to the prosecution, the events date back to April 2023, when the deceased child, Princess Shoko, and her six-year-old sister, Susan Mandaza, were placed in the care of Sibanda and Zvivi in Zvimba. The children’s mother, Nomsa Sibanda—Alista’s sister—had returned to South Africa after leaving the girls with the couple.
Prosecutor Mr Takudzwa Jambawu told the court that instead of caring for the children, Zvivi and Sibanda subjected them to repeated abuse, including physical assaults and food deprivation. The abuse culminated in Princess’s death on July 23, 2023, as a result of injuries she sustained.
In an attempt to cover up the crime, the couple allegedly placed Princess’s body in a sack and hid it in the boot of a red Honda Fit bearing Botswana number plates. They then drove to Kuwadzana Extension and dumped the sack in a nearby stream.
The court heard that the accused later informed Nomsa Sibanda of her daughter’s death but offered no clear explanation. Disturbed by their vague account, Nomsa returned to Zimbabwe and filed a missing person’s report with ZRP Dzivarasekwa on August 1, 2023.
The following day, a body matching Princess’s description was discovered in a Dzivarasekwa stream. Nomsa positively identified the remains, and a post-mortem was conducted at Parirenyatwa Hospital. While the cause of death was not immediately confirmed, toxicology results were said to be pending.
Fearing imminent arrest, Zvivi and Sibanda fled to South Africa shortly after the discovery. But their escape was short-lived. Months later, growing attention to the case on social media platforms led to their identification and arrest by South African authorities.
After a prolonged legal process, the couple was extradited to Zimbabwe last week and now faces a possible indictment for murder and child abuse.
Their return to court on April 11 is expected to mark the beginning of what could become one of the most closely watched child abuse and murder trials in recent Zimbabwean memory.