Magistrate jailed for criminal abuse of office

A Bulawayo-based magistrate, Evia Matura (47), has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for criminal abuse of office after unlawfully remanding an accused person out of custody in a high-profile fraud case.

Matura will serve an effective 18-month jail term after six months were suspended on condition that she does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.

The court heard that on 2 July last year, at the Tredgold Magistrates Court, Matura—acting in her official capacity—remanded former legislator Obert Manduna out of custody despite being fully aware that no bail application had been made.

Evidence presented in court showed that Manduna had previously been denied bail on 25 June, and that no new application, changed circumstances, High Court order, or bail receipt had been submitted to justify his release.

The State successfully argued that Matura acted outside the bounds of the law, knowingly disregarding established legal procedures governing bail and remand.

The conviction marks a rare instance of a judicial officer being imprisoned for misconduct, highlighting the judiciary's stance on accountability and adherence to due process.