NEW: Bulawayo magistrate jailed for unlawful release of prisoner

A Bulawayo-based provincial magistrate, Evia Matura (47), has been jailed after being convicted of criminal abuse of duty following an unlawful court ruling that resulted in the release of a prisoner who was on remand.

The matter was heard at Tredgold Magistrates’ Court, Bulawayo.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, Matura, who was stationed at the same court, initially presided over a bail application for Obert Manduna on June 23, 2025.

Bail was denied on June 25, 2025, and Manduna was subsequently remanded in custody at Khami Remand Prison.

On July 2, 2025, during a routine remand appearance, both the State and the defence consented to a postponement of the matter to July 9, 2025 for trial allocation.

No application for bail based on changed circumstances had been made, and there was no directive from the High Court authorising Manduna’s release.

Despite this, Matura unlawfully ordered Manduna’s release from custody.

The State argued that the act 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.

Matura 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.