A Bulawayo-based provincial magistrate, Evia Matura (47), has been convicted and sentenced to 18 months in prison for criminal abuse of duty following an unlawful court ruling that led to the release of a prisoner from remand. This was revealed by the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) on X, yesterday.
The matter, heard at Tredgold Magistrates’ Court, arose from events in late June and early July 2025. The magistrate had initially presided over a bail application for Obert Manduna on 23 June 2025, ultimately denying bail on 25 June 2025, after which Manduna was remanded in custody at Khami Remand Prison.
However, on 2 July 2025, during a routine remand appearance, the State and the defence agreed to a postponement of the matter to 9 July 2025 for trial allocation. No application for bail based on changed circumstances was made, nor was there any directive from the High Court authorising the release.
Despite this, the magistrate unlawfully ordered the release of Manduna from custody, an act the State said was deliberate and inconsistent with her judicial obligations. The court found that her conduct conferred an undue benefit on the accused and undermined the integrity of judicial processes.
She was consequently convicted of criminal abuse of duty and sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, with six months suspended for five years, leaving an effective 18-month custodial sentence.
“Judicial officers are entrusted with upholding the law impartially and without favour. Any deviation from this duty, particularly where it results in unlawful benefit, will attract the full consequences of the law.” The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said.
