BULAWAYO- Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator Obert Manduna has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for fraud.

Magistrate Richard Ramaboea handed down the sentence at Tredgold Magistrates’ Court in Bulawayo on Wednesday, ruling that six months of the sentence would be suspended for five years on condition that Manduna does not commit a similar offence during that period.

A further 24 months will be suspended if he restitutes US$5,900 to the victim by October 30, 2025.

The court found that Manduna, while posing as an agent for the sale of Stand 7278 in Cowdray Park, fraudulently obtained US$5,900 from Sithulisiwe Sibanda between October 2020 and February 2022. He falsely claimed to hold power of attorney from the legitimate owner, Benard Mujuru, even though Mujuru had not authorised the sale and the property had already been repossessed by the Bulawayo City Council.

State prosecutor Brenda Nyoni argued for a custodial sentence, noting that “nothing has been recovered” from the US$5,900. She said the accused had taken too long to make efforts towards restitution and warned that he could reoffend, as he remains active in the construction industry—a claim the court ultimately dismissed. However, Nyoni acknowledged that Manduna was “not a danger to society.”

In his mitigation, Manduna was described as a man of previously blameless character—respected for his role as a community leader, his anti-drug abuse advocacy among youths, and the charitable organisations he operates. The court said it had considered these factors before tailoring a sentence that allowed room for rehabilitation.

Manduna, who once represented the Nketa and Emganwini constituencies, was arrested at his Ascot residence in Kenilworth Towers last year. Investigators from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) said he had no fixed abode and had even threatened suicide during the probe.

The case had already raised eyebrows earlier this year after Provincial Magistrate Eva Matura was herself placed on remand for allegedly abusing her office by unlawfully authorising Manduna’s release from Khami Remand Prison. Matura had initially denied him bail on June 25, but later allegedly arranged his release without a formal application, bail receipt, or High Court order.

She faces charges of criminal abuse of duty and is out on $200 bail.