The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a manhunt for Hezy Motors Logistics Private Limited director Hazel Silibaziso Mafu over allegations of fraud involvin...
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has launched a manhunt for Hezy Motors Logistics Private Limited director Hazel Silibaziso Mafu over allegations of fraud involving more than US$155,000 collected from clients seeking imported vehicles.
Police said Mafu is wanted in connection with several fraud cases allegedly committed between 2022 and April 2026 through the operations of Hezy Motors Logistics, a company that marketed vehicle importation services across Zimbabwe.
According to investigators, the company advertised heavily through social media, electronic platforms and print media, promising clients affordable imported vehicles delivered within agreed timelines. Authorities allege the suspect misrepresented the company’s capacity to source and import vehicles competitively.
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Police say several Zimbabweans paid varying amounts of money to the company for vehicle purchases and importation deals, but the vehicles were never delivered.
“So far, a total of 20 complainants who were allegedly defrauded of USD155,211.00 have reported their cases to the police,” police said in a statement released on Wednesday.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi appealed to members of the public with information about Mafu’s whereabouts to assist investigators. Authorities urged anyone with information to report to the nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk and the CID Commercial Crimes Division Northern Region.
The case has intensified scrutiny on vehicle import businesses operating in Zimbabwe, particularly companies that rely heavily on online advertising and advance payments from clients. Vehicle import fraud cases have become increasingly common in recent years as more Zimbabweans turn to private importers to source cars from countries such as Japan, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Earlier this week, five Hezy Motors employees appeared before the Harare regional court facing fraud and obstruction charges linked to the same matter. The employees — Kelly Moyo, Melody Karakupa, Bridget Tanyanyiwa, Paidamoyo Sunhwa and Pamela Zambe — were granted bail and remanded to June 26.
Prosecutors allege the employees continued processing vehicle import transactions and communicating with clients despite allegedly knowing the company was failing to deliver vehicles and that its director was being sought by authorities.
Court papers presented in the matter allege that the accused persons acted in connivance with the company director in receiving payments for vehicle imports between January 2025 and May 2026. The prosecution claims clients continued making payments based on representations that the company could deliver imported vehicles.
The case has generated significant public attention due to Hezy Motors’ visibility within Zimbabwe’s vehicle import sector. The company had built a strong online presence through aggressive digital marketing campaigns targeting Zimbabweans seeking imported vehicles at competitive prices.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any recoveries have been made or whether more complainants are expected to come forward as investigations continue.
Police investigations into the alleged fraud are ongoing.
