Harare businesswoman Hazel Mafu in court over US$624,000 car import scam
Harare businesswoman Hazel Mafu in court over US$624,000 car import scam
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A Harare businesswoman, Hazel Mafu (35), has spent another night in custody as she faces fraud charges linked to an alleged vehicle importation scheme involving 76 complainants.
Mafu, a director of Hezy Motors Logistics, is alleged to have duped clients of more than US$624,000 and ZIG1.2 million. She is expected to file a bail application today, after her case was rolled over due to time constraints when she returned to court yesterday.
Prosecutors allege the fraud took place over the past four years, with the State saying Mafu advertised vehicle importation services across various platforms and claimed she could import cars on behalf of clients, but did not deliver in a number of cases.
The State, represented by prosecutor Zvikomborero Mupasa, alleges that between January 2022 and February last year, Mafu marketed and advertised the services through online platforms, including social media, as well as other electronic and print media.
According to the allegations, Mafu misrepresented that she had the capacity to source and deliver imported vehicles within agreed timeframes and at competitive prices. The complainants are said to have paid various sums for the purchase and importation of vehicles, but the vehicles were not delivered despite the funds being received.
The State contends that the alleged prejudice amounts to US$624,958.96 and ZIG1,275,878.35, and that nothing was recovered.
The case has drawn attention because Mafu has previously been profiled publicly as an award-winning entrepreneur and speaker at women empowerment events. The report states she won the Outstanding Young CEO silver award last year.
Mafu’s bail hearing is expected to proceed today.
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