Fugitive Zvimba couple nabbed in SA

Zim Now Writer

A Zvimba couple that went on the run last week after killing a four-year-old minor left in its custody by a relative, has been apprehended by fellow Zimbabweans in neighbouring South Africa.

On Saturday, police had issued an appeal for information that could lead to the arrest of John Zvivi and Lister Sibanda who reportedly vanished after the infant’s body was found dumped in a sack in Harare.

The cornered couple is heard, in a video image that has gone viral on social media, being questioned in Shona by concerned Zimbabweans over the crime.

The couple denies killing the minor but confirms packing the minor’s remains in a sack and dumping them.

Police identified the child, whose body was found in a stream along Harare-Bulawayo Road, between Kuwadzana Extension and Glaudina, Harare on August 2, as Princess Shoko.

The deceased minor belongs to Sibanda’s sister, who is based in South Africa.

They were left, together with the minor’s six-year-old sister, in the custody of Sibanda and her husband.

The minor sister is currently seeking medical attention at a local hospital.

Police confirmed the shock incident in a tweet on Saturday.

“The ZRP is appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of a couple, John Zvivi and Lister Sibanda of Vantage area, Zvimba who are being sought in connection with a case of murder in which their niece, Princess Shoko, 4, was found dead in a stream along Harare-Bulawayo Road, between Kuwadzana Extension and Glaudina, Harare on 2 August 2023,” police said.

“The victim was found stashed in a 25 kilogrammes mealie-meal sack and had a deformed face.

“The suspects were allegedly seen by neighbours assaulting the victim and her sister, 6, on several occasions using electric cables and switches.

“The other victim, 6, is currently admitted at a local hospital where she is receiving treatment on injuries she sustained during the assault by the suspects.”

The couple is heard in the video, claiming that the deceased minor was killed by goblins.