Hezy Motors Founder Denied Bail Over Alleged U.S.$1 Million Vehicle Import Scam

Hazel Silibaziso Mafu, the founder of Hezy Motors Logistics, has been denied bail by Harare regional magistrate Jesse Kufa. Mafu faces fraud charges in connection with an alleged vehicle importation scam that has defrauded 79 complainants of nearly US$1 million.

In his ruling, Magistrate Kufa distinguished Mafu's situation from that of her co-accused, who had been granted bail. Kufa stated that Mafu had been on the run, unlike her accomplices, and therefore posed a flight risk. The magistrate emphasized that Mafu's role as director differed from her employees, citing compelling reasons to deny her bail.

Mafu is accused of marketing vehicle importation services through various platforms, falsely assuring clients of her company's capacity to source and deliver vehicles at competitive prices within specified timeframes. Prosecutors allege that between 2022 and the present, she induced dozens of customers to pay deposits and full purchase prices, but failed to supply the vehicles. The total prejudice suffered by the complainants is estimated at US$624,958.96 and ZiG1,275,878.35, with no recovery made.

Mafu remains in custody as she awaits trial for the alleged scam. Her lawyer had previously sought the State's consent for bail, but the court ultimately ruled against her application.

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The applicant cannot be treated the same as her accomplices. She was on the run, unlike her accomplices. She has proved that she can abscond if granted bail. Her accomplices were employees, and she is the director. This court is of the considered view that her role cannot be equated to that of her accomplices. There are compelling reasons as to why the accused should be denied bail. For these reasons, application for bail is dismissed.