Bulawayo magistrate jailed 18 months for corrupt abuse of office

A FORMER Bulawayo provincial magistrate has been sentenced to an effective 18 months in prison after being convicted of criminal abuse of duty in a case that has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s justice system.

Evia Matura (47), who was stationed at the Bulawayo magistrates’ court was found guilty of unlawfully ordering the release of a remand prisoner in violation of established legal procedures.

The court heard that in June 2025, Matura presided over a bail application for an accused person, Obert Manduna, which she dismissed, ordering that he remain in custody at Khami Remand Prison.

However, during a routine remand appearance on July 2, 2025, Matura unilaterally ordered Manduna’s release despite there being no fresh bail application, no changed circumstances and no directive from the High Court authorising such a decision.

Prosecutors told the court that both the State and defence had only agreed to a postponement for trial allocation, making the magistrate’s decision irregular and unlawful.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) successfully argued that Matura deliberately violated her judicial duties, conferring an undue benefit to the accused while undermining the integrity of the justice delivery system.

In passing the sentence, the court imposed a 24-month prison term, with six months suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving an effective custodial sentence of 18 months.

The case, which arose from events between June and July last year, is being viewed as a rare but significant instance of a judicial officer being imprisoned for misconduct, reinforcing the judiciary’s stance on accountability and adherence to due process.

The NPA has since warned that judicial officers are expected to act with impartiality and integrity, stressing that any abuse of office will attract the full force of the law.