Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo
Court Correspondent
THE bail hearing of a vehicle importer accused of defrauding scores of clients of over US$624 000 and ZiG1 275 878.35 in an alleged bogus vehicle importation scheme was on Monday postponed after her lawyer requested more time.
Hazel Mafu (35), the director of Hezy Motors Logistics, is appearing before Harare regional magistrate Mrs Jesse Kufa facing fraud charges.
Defence counsel Mr Editor Mavuto applied for postponement, saying he was awaiting a response from the Prosecutor-General after filing an application seeking consent for bail.
The matter was rolled over to today for the bail application.
Prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe alleges that between 2022 and present, Mafu advertised vehicle importation services through various platforms, including social media as well as electronic and print media.
The State alleges that Mafu told members of the public that she had the capacity to source and import motor vehicles within agreed timeframes.
Believing the representations to be genuine, numerous complainants allegedly paid varying amounts to Mafu for the purchase and importation of vehicles.
It is alleged that after receiving the money, Mafu failed to deliver the vehicles as agreed.
The State further alleges that Mafu falsely represented that she was able and willing to supply the vehicles when, in fact, she had no intention or capacity to fulfil the orders, thereby inducing clients to part with their money. According to the prosecution, the total prejudice amounts to US$624 958.96 and ZiG1 275 878.35.
