Bulawayo Magistrate Jailed for Abuse of Office in Fraud Case

BULAWAYO – A Bulawayo magistrate, Evia Matura, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for criminal abuse of office after unlawfully releasing a fraud suspect without a valid bail application. Matura (47) was convicted under Section 174 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act following irregular actions taken while presiding at Tredgold Magistrates’ Court.

The court handed down a two-year sentence, with six months suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving an effective 18-month custodial term. The ruling was delivered by Regional Magistrate Mark Dzira. According to court proceedings, the offence occurred on July 2, 2025, when Matura ordered the release of former legislator Obert Manduna, who was facing fraud charges. This was despite the fact that she had denied him bail just days earlier on June 25.

Prosecutors told the court that no fresh bail application had been submitted and that there were no changed circumstances, High Court directives, or proof of payment to justify reconsideration.

“The accused acted outside established judicial procedures, resulting in the irregular release of the suspect,” the State submitted.

Manduna is accused of defrauding a complainant of nearly US$6,000 in a botched property deal involving a residential stand in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo. The State alleges that between October 2020 and February 2022, he used a forged power of attorney to sell Stand Number 7278 without the owner’s consent. Investigators say the property had already been repossessed by the Bulawayo City Council at the time of the transaction. The complainant reportedly paid US$5,900, which has not been recovered.

Legal experts say the case raises serious concerns about adherence to judicial procedure and accountability within the justice system.

“Bail decisions must strictly follow due process. Any deviation undermines public confidence in the courts,” said Bulawayo-based legal analyst Nqobani Sithole.

Prosecutors also revealed that Manduna had previously evaded investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and was considered a flight risk at the time of his release. This, they argued, made the magistrate’s decision even more irregular and potentially prejudicial to the administration of justice.

The conviction of a sitting magistrate is rare and signals increased scrutiny on public officials accused of abusing their offices. Analysts say the ruling could strengthen efforts to enforce accountability within Zimbabwe’s judicial system.

“This sends a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of position,” said governance expert Tafadzwa Chikoto.

Evia Matura sentence