KEY POINTS
- Manduna jailed for defrauding buyer in land scam.
- Sentence partly suspended if restitution is made.
- Court weighed past leadership role in sentencing.
Obert Manduna, a former Zimbabwean opposition lawmaker under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted of fraud in a real estate scam involving a disputed residential stand in Bulawayo.
Magistrate Richard Ramaboea, delivering the verdict at Tredgold Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, ruled that six months of the sentence would be suspended for five years provided Manduna refrains from committing a similar offence. A further 24 months may also be suspended if he pays restitution of US$5,900 to the victim by October 30, 2025.
Manduna fraudulently posed as land agent
The case stemmed from Manduna’s fraudulent sale of Stand 7278 in Cowdray Park. He lied to a buyer, Sithulisiwe Sibanda, between 2020 and 2022 by saying he had power of attorney from the property’s legitimate owner, Benard Mujuru. However, Mujuru never gave him that permission. The property had in fact already been repossessed by the Bulawayo City Council.
State prosecutor Brenda Nyoni called for a custodial sentence, noting that “nothing has been recovered” from the funds Manduna obtained. She argued he delayed making restitution and still operated within the construction sector. This raised the risk of recidivism though the court rejected that claim, citing lack of evidence.
Past excellent behavior taken into account when sentencing
The court took into account Manduna’s spotless record and community work while deciding on the sentence. People said he was a renowned person who was recognized for his drug abuse awareness efforts and involvement with young people. These things that made things easier helped him get a partial suspension of his sentence.
Manduna, who once represented the Nketa and Emganwini constituencies, was arrested last year at his Ascot residence. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission said he had no fixed abode and had threatened suicide during the investigation.
The case drew further controversy earlier this year when Provincial Magistrate Eva Matura was charged with criminal abuse of duty. For allegedly ordering Manduna’s release without legal authority after denying him bail. In addition, Matura is currently out on $200 bail and awaits trial.
