HARARE — The founder of Hezy Motors Logistics, who is accused of masterminding an alleged fraud involving more than US$1 million, was denied bail after a Harare regional magistrate ruled that she was a flight risk.
Hazel Silibaziso Mafu appeared before Regional Magistrate Jesse Kufa, who dismissed her bail application, citing her conduct after the alleged offences.
“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.
Mafu will remain in custody pending trial.
Her lawyer, Editor Mavuto, had sought a postponement of the bail hearing, telling the court he had written to Prosecutor-General Loice Matanda-Moyo requesting the state’s consent to bail and was awaiting a response.
Prosecutors allege that Mafu defrauded 79 clients who paid for imported vehicles that were never delivered.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Mafu marketed vehicle importation services through social media and other electronic and print platforms from 2022, allegedly promising to source and deliver vehicles within agreed timeframes at competitive prices.
The state alleges the representations induced 79 customers to pay for vehicle imports, but the vehicles were never supplied.
Prosecutors say the alleged victims lost a combined US$624,958.96 and ZiG1,275,878.35, and none of the funds has been recovered.
