A Bulawayo provincial magistrate jailed for criminal abuse of office has secured bail pending appeal. Evia Matura, 47, had already begun serving an effective 18-month prison sentence before winning release on Monday.

Conviction background


Matura was stationed at the Tredgold Buildings Magistrates Court in Bulawayo at the time of the offence. She was convicted after ordering the release on bail of a remand prisoner without a High Court directive, a formal application, or any cited change of circumstances.

Bail granted by High Court

Judge Bongani Ndlovu granted her US$300 bail through the Bulawayo High Court. The state supported the application. Matura's legal team is led by Advocate Tazorora Musarurwa

Bail conditions


Under the terms of her release, Matura must remain at her Killarney home in Bulawayo, surrender her passport to the Assistant Registrar of the High Court, and report twice monthly to Bulawayo Central Police Station on Fridays between 6 am and 6 pm.