Bulawayo – A Bulawayo-based provincial magistrate, Evia Matura (47), has been convicted and sentenced for criminal abuse of duty following an unlawful court ruling that led to the release of a remand prisoner.
The matter, heard at Tredgold Magistrates’ Court, arose from events in late June and early July 2025. The offender, who was stationed at the same court, had initially presided over a bail application for one Obert Manduna on the 23rd of June 2025, ultimately denying bail on the 25th of June 2025. Manduna was subsequently remanded in custody at Khami Remand Prison.
However, on the 2nd of July 2025, during a routine remand appearance, the State—together with the defence—consented to a postponement of the matter to the 9th of July 2025 for trial allocation. Crucially, no application for bail based on changed circumstances had been made, nor was there any directive from the High Court authorising release.
Despite this, the offender unlawfully ordered the release of Manduna from custody, an act the State argued was deliberate and inconsistent with her judicial obligations. The court found that her conduct conferred an undue benefit to the accused person and undermined the integrity of judicial processes.
She was consequently convicted of criminal abuse of duty and was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, with 6 months suspended for 5 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 (NPA) said.