Harare regional magistrate Jesse Kufa has denied bail to car dealer Hazel Mafu, the director of Hezy Motors Logistics, ruling that she is likely to abscond and interfere with ongoing investigations into an alleged vehicle importation fraud involving more than US$624 000 and ZiG1,2 million.
Mafu (35), who is facing 79 counts of fraud, appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court where the State opposed her release on bail, arguing that she posed a significant flight risk and could influence witnesses linked to the case.
In her ruling, Kufa said the circumstances surrounding Mafu’s case differed markedly from those of her co-accused, who had previously been granted bail, adding that the accused’s conduct before her arrest weighed heavily against her application.
“The applicant cannot be treated in the same manner as her accomplices. She was on the run, unlike her accomplices, and has demonstrated that she can abscond if granted bail. Her accomplices were employees, while she is the director of the company. The court is of the view that her role cannot be equated to that of her accomplices. There are compelling reasons why the accused should be denied bail,” ruled Kufa.
The magistrate further noted that Mafu’s decision to hand herself over to the police did not remove the concerns raised by the prosecution regarding the likelihood of her interfering with investigations.
“The fact that she surrendered herself to the police does not cure the State’s fears. She allegedly threatened some complainants, urging them to withdraw the charges. She also continued conducting business despite knowing that her company was under investigation and had not fulfilled obligations to earlier complainants,” Kufa said.
Following the ruling, Mafu was remanded in custody until August 20, when investigations are expected to be at a more advanced stage.
According to the State, represented by prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe, Mafu allegedly operated a fraudulent vehicle importation scheme through Hezy Motors Logistics, convincing numerous clients that she was capable of sourcing and importing vehicles on their behalf.
The court heard that clients paid varying amounts of money after being promised delivery of imported vehicles within agreed timeframes. However, it is alleged that the vehicles were never supplied despite full or partial payments having been made.
The prosecution alleges that Mafu knowingly misrepresented her ability and intention to procure the vehicles, thereby inducing unsuspecting clients to part with their money. The alleged offences resulted in losses amounting to more than US$624 000 and ZiG1,2 million.
Investigations into the matter are continuing as authorities seek to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud and identify all affected complainants.
