The Tredgold Magistrates Court in Bulawayo convicted former Citizens Coalition for Change legislator Obert Manduna of defrauding a homeseeker. Magistrate Richard Ramaboea imposed a four-and-a-half-year prison term with conditional suspensions totaling two years and six months. Manduna must repay victim Sithulisiwe Sibanda US$5,900 by October 30, 2025, to secure part of the suspended sentence. The conviction stems from Manduna's false representation as an authorized agent for property Stand 7278 in Cowdray Park between October 2020 and February 2022. He fraudulently claimed power of attorney from owner Benard Mujuru, despite the Bulawayo City Council having already repossessed the property.
State prosecutor Brenda Nyoni advocated for imprisonment due to the unrecovered funds and delayed repayment efforts. Defense counsel emphasized Manduna's community leadership and charitable work with youth anti-drug programs. Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission officers arrested the former Nketa and Emganwini constituencies representative at his Ascot residence. Provincial Magistrate Eva Matura faces criminal charges for allegedly releasing Manduna improperly from Khami Remand Prison without following legal procedures. The case has drawn attention to both corruption and judicial misconduct within Zimbabwe's legal system.
State prosecutor Brenda Nyoni advocated for imprisonment due to the unrecovered funds and delayed repayment efforts. Defense counsel emphasized Manduna's community leadership and charitable work with youth anti-drug programs. Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission officers arrested the former Nketa and Emganwini constituencies representative at his Ascot residence. Provincial Magistrate Eva Matura faces criminal charges for allegedly releasing Manduna improperly from Khami Remand Prison without following legal procedures. The case has drawn attention to both corruption and judicial misconduct within Zimbabwe's legal system.
