Nomsa Sibanda, the mother of four-year-old Princess Shoko, is still seeking closure two years after her child’s alleged murder. Despite the extradition of the suspects, Alista Sibanda and John Zvivi, the child’s remains remain unburied at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals mortuary in Harare due to unresolved DNA identification issues.
Nomsa is pleading with the police to facilitate a second DNA test and issue a burial order, allowing her to lay her daughter to rest. She claims to have positively identified the body, which was recovered from a stream along the Harare-Bulawayo Road in 2023. However, DNA results have reportedly shown a mismatch, suggesting the body may belong to an unidentified male child. Nomsa disputes this, believing it may be a case of mistaken identity or misfiled records.
Nomsa’s lawyers, Hamunakwadi and Nyandoro Law Chambers, have appealed to the police to resolve the matter within seven days. They suspect an administrative oversight or technical error may be the cause of the delay. The child’s body has been held at the mortuary since August 2023, with no burial date in sight.
Alista Sibanda, the child’s aunt, has been convicted and sentenced to 24 months in prison under the Children’s Act for abuse. John Zvivi, the child’s uncle, is set to face trial for Princess’ murder. Nomsa hopes that justice will be served, and she can finally lay her daughter to rest.
As the legal proceedings continue, Nomsa’s desperation grows. She is eager to find peace and closure after two years of waiting. The authorities are urged to resolve the matter with compassion and transparency, allowing Nomsa to bury her child and begin the healing process.
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