Hezy Motors Director Hazel Mafu Granted Bail in US$624K Fraud Case
By Desire Tshuma
Harare – Hazel Silibaziso Mafu, 35, director of Hezy Motors Logistics, was released from remand prison yesterday after the Harare Regional Magistrates’ Court granted her bail.
As part of her bail conditions, Mafu is required to report once a week at her nearest police station, to remain within the address she provided to the court, and to surrender her passport.
Mafu is facing 79 counts of fraud arising from an alleged bogus vehicle importation scheme that prosecutors say ran from 2022 to date.
According to the State, Mafu allegedly marketed and advertised importation services across social, electronic and print platforms, holding herself out as having the capacity to source and deliver vehicles within stipulated timeframes and at competitive rates.
The State alleges that, induced by those representations, multiple complainants paid varying sums toward the purchase and importation of motor vehicles. It is the State’s case that after taking possession of the funds, Mafu failed to deliver and had neither the intention nor capacity to fulfil the orders at the time of contracting.
The State pegs the total prejudice at US$624,958.96 and ZiG1,275,878.35. Prosecutors told the court that no recoveries have been made to date.
Mafu’s initial bail application was dismissed. In a ruling delivered earlier this month, Regional Magistrate Jesse Kufa found compelling reasons to deny bail, citing flight risk. The court further noted allegations that Mafu had approached complainants to withdraw charges and had continued trading while under investigation.
Prosecutors led by Mr Zvikomborero Mupasa and Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe allege that 79 complainants paid for vehicles that were never delivered. The ZRP said it received reports from at least 20 complainants alleging a prejudice of USD155,211.00.
Court records also reference a 2022 matter in which Mafu and a co-accused were linked to the alleged use of forged civil servants’ rebate exemption letters to import vehicles, with an alleged prejudice to ZIMRA of US$13,500 in unpaid duty.
Mafu, through counsel, has denied the allegations. Defence lawyer Editor Mavuto previously advised the court of representations made to the Prosecutor-General’s office regarding bail.
The accused is expected back in court for further remand.
