Hezy Motors Director Hazel Mafu Faces Fraud Charges Over US$624,000 Car Import Scam
A Harare car dealer accused of swindling dozens of customers through an alleged fake vehicle importation business has appeared in court to answer fraud charges involving more than US$624 000 and over ZiG1.2 million.
Hazel Mafu (35), the director of Hezy Motors Logistics, appeared before a Harare regional magistrate after allegedly evading authorities while investigations into the case were underway.
She was remanded in custody until today for the determination of her bail application.
Also Read: Police Hunt Hezy Motors Boss Hazel Silibaziso Mafu Over US$155k Vehicle Import Scam
State Alleges Clients Paid For Cars That Never Arrived
According to prosecutors, Mafu operated a vehicle importation business between 2022 and the present, promoting her services through social media, electronic platforms and print advertisements.
The State alleges that she assured potential customers she could source and import vehicles within agreed timelines and at competitive prices.
Prosecutors say the promises persuaded numerous clients to pay deposits or full purchase amounts for vehicles they expected to receive.
However, the vehicles were allegedly never delivered despite payments being made.
Alleged Losses Exceed US$624 000
Accordingg to H-Metro, the prosecution claims Mafu knowingly misrepresented her ability to import the vehicles and had neither the intention nor the capacity to fulfil the orders placed by customers.
As a result, the alleged victims are said to have lost a combined total of US$624 958.96 and ZiG1 275 878.35.
The alleged fraud is reported to have taken place over a four-year period, with prosecutors saying nothing has been recovered from the money paid by complainants.
Bail Hearing Pending
Mafu is facing fraud charges in connection with the alleged scheme and remains in custody pending the outcome of her full bail application.
The State maintains that the accused used her business to attract customers seeking imported vehicles before allegedly failing to honour the agreements, leaving scores of clients out of pocket.
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