Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo
Court Correspondent
A CAR dealer who allegedly went into hiding after reportedly defrauding scores of clients of more than US$624 000 and ZiG1 275 878.35 in a bogus vehicle importation scheme has finally appeared in court.
Hazel Mafu (35), the director of Hezy Motors Logistics, appeared before a Harare regional magistrate facing fraud charges.
She was remanded in custody to today for the hearing of her full bail application.
Prosecutor Mr Zvikomborero Mupasa alleged that between 2022 and the present, Mafu marketed and advertised vehicle importation services through various platforms, including social media as well as electronic and print media.
The State alleges that in the advertisements, Mafu claimed she had the capacity to source and import motor vehicles within agreed timeframes at competitive prices.
Believing the representations to be genuine, numerous complainants allegedly paid varying amounts of money to Mafu for the purchase and importation of vehicles.
It is alleged that after receiving the funds, Mafu failed to deliver the vehicles as agreed.
The State further alleges that Mafu misrepresented her ability to supply the vehicles when she knew she had neither the intention nor the capacity to fulfil the orders, allegedly intending to mislead clients and unlawfully deprive them of their money.
According to the prosecution, the total prejudice amounts to US$624 958,96 and ZiG1 275 878,35.
Nothing has been recovered.
