Harare regional magistrate Jesse Kufa has dismissed the bail application of Hazel Silibaziso Mafu, founder of Hezy Motors Logistics, who is accused of orchestrating a vehicle importation fraud scheme that allegedly cost 79 complainants close to US$1 million.
In Monday’s ruling, Kufa said Mafu’s situation could not be compared to that of her co-accused employees, who were previously granted bail. The magistrate noted that Mafu, as director, had gone on the run and had shown she could abscond.
Prosecutors allege that between 2022 and the present, Mafu advertised vehicle import services on social media and other platforms, promising competitive prices and delivery times. Clients paid deposits or full amounts, but vehicles were never supplied.
The State says actual prejudice stands at US$624,958.96 and ZiG1,275,878.35, with no recoveries made. Mafu remains in custody as the case proceeds.
