Hazel Mafu Denied Bail Over US$1 Million Fraud Allegations

A Harare regional magistrate has denied bail to Hezy Motors Logistics founder Hazel Silibaziso Mafu, who is accused of masterminding a US$1 million fraud in botched vehicle import deals.

Regional magistrate Jesse Kufa denied Mafu (36) bail on Monday, 3 August 2026, saying she was a flight risk.

Kufa said Mafu’s conduct after the alleged offences set her apart from her co-accused, who have since been granted bail.

“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, through her lawyer, Editor Mavuto, had asked the court to postpone the hearing of her bail application.

Mavuto advised the court that he had written to Prosecutor-General Loice Matanda-Moyo seeking the state’s consent to bail and was awaiting a response.

The State alleges that from 2022 to some time this year, Mafu advertised vehicle importation services on social media, as well as other electronic and print platforms.

It is alleged she claimed she could source and import vehicles within agreed timeframes at competitive prices.

Prosecutors say 79 clients, believing her claims to be genuine, paid for vehicles that were never delivered.

Mafu allegedly falsely represented that she was able and willing to supply the vehicles when she had no intention or capacity to do so, thereby inducing clients to part with their money.

According to the State, the alleged victims suffered combined losses of US$624,958.96 and ZiG1,275,878.35, none of which has been recovered.

More: ZimLive