Hezy Motors Founder Hazel Mafu Denied Bail in US$1 Million Fraud Case

The founder of Hezy Motors Logistics, Hazel Silibaziso Mafu, has been denied bail after a Harare regional magistrate ruled that she was a flight risk while facing allegations of masterminding a fraud involving more than US$1 million.

Regional magistrate Jesse Kufa dismissed Mafu’s bail application on Monday, saying her conduct after the alleged offences set her apart from her co-accused, who have already been granted bail.

In delivering the ruling, Kufa said Mafu had gone into hiding after the alleged offences and that there were compelling reasons to keep her in custody pending trial.

“She was on the run, unlike her accomplices. She has proved that she can abscond if granted bail. There are compelling reasons as to why the accused should be denied bail. For these reasons application for bail is dismissed,” Kufa ruled.

Following the ruling, Mafu will remain in remand prison while awaiting trial on the fraud charges.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mafu is accused of defrauding 79 clients who paid for imported vehicles that were allegedly never delivered.

Prosecutors allege that between 2022 and the time of her arrest, Mafu marketed vehicle importation services through social media and other electronic and print platforms. She allegedly represented that she could source and deliver imported vehicles within agreed timeframes at competitive prices.

The prosecution alleges that the representations persuaded customers to pay for vehicle imports. However, the vehicles were allegedly not supplied despite payments having been made.

According to court documents, the alleged victims suffered combined losses of US$624,958.96 and ZiG1,275,878.35. Prosecutors further allege that none of the money has been recovered.

The case is expected to proceed to trial, where the allegations against Mafu will be tested before the court. She has not been convicted, and the charges remain allegations until determined by the court.