Harare regional magistrate Jesse Kufa has refused bail for Hazel Silibaziso Mafu, the founder of Hezy Motors Logistics, who stands accused of orchestrating a vehicle importation fraud scheme that allegedly cost 79 clients close to US$1 million.

Mafu is facing fraud charges after prosecutors say she marketed vehicle import services on social media and other platforms between 2022 and the present, promising to deliver vehicles within specific timeframes at competitive prices. Instead, according to the State, dozens of customers paid deposits or full purchase prices but never received their vehicles.

The court heard that the complainants suffered actual prejudice of US$624,958.96 and ZiG1,275,878.35, with no money recovered. Mafu’s co-accused, who were employees, were granted bail earlier. However, Magistrate Kufa ruled that Mafu’s situation was different because she was a director and had been on the run, showing a risk of absconding.

“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,” Kufa said. Mafu remains in custody awaiting trial.