Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo
Court Correspondent
THE bail application for suspected car import dealer Hazel Mafu, who is facing fraud charges involving more than US$624 000 and ZiG1,2 million, was concluded yesterday after the investigating officer was cross-examined, with the court reserving its ruling to August 3.
Mafu (35), the director of Hezy Motors Logistics, is accused of defrauding scores of clients in a bogus vehicle importation scheme.
She is facing 79 counts of fraud and is appearing before Harare regional magistrate Mrs Jesse Kufa.
The State alleges that complainants paid varying amounts for the purchase and importation of motor vehicles.
It is alleged that after receiving the money, Mafu failed to deliver the vehicles as agreed.
Prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe further allege that Mafu falsely represented that she was able and willing to supply the vehicles when, in fact, she had neither the intention nor the capacity to fulfil the orders, thereby inducing her clients to part with their money.
According to the prosecution, the total prejudice suffered by the complainants amounts to US$624 958.96 and ZiG1 275 878.
During yesterday’s proceedings, the defence concluded its cross-examination of the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Richard Maravanyika, bringing the bail application to a close.
The State is opposing bail, arguing that Mafu is a flight risk and is likely to interfere with witnesses because she knows many of the complainants and has access to their personal contact details.
After hearing submissions from both the prosecution and the defence, Mrs Chakanyuka reserved her ruling on the bail application to August 3.
