Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo
Court Correspondent
A HARARE car dealer, accused of allegedly fleecing scores of clients of more than US$624 000 and ZiG1,2 million in a bogus vehicle importation scheme, has finally been granted US$500 bail by the High Court.
Hazel Mafu (35), director of Hezy Motors Logistics, had earlier been denied bail by the Harare Magistrates Court.
High Court Judge, Justice Custom Kachambwa, granted Mafu bail and ordered her to reside at her given address in Waterfalls, surrender her passport to the Clerk of Court and report to the police every Friday.
The State alleges that from 2022 until recently, Mafu advertised vehicle importation services on various platforms, including social media, electronic and print media.
She allegedly told prospective clients that she could source and import vehicles within agreed timeframes and at competitive prices.
According to the State, numerous complainants believed the representations and paid varying amounts to Mafu for the purchase and importation of vehicles.
But prosecutors allege 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 she had neither the intention nor the capacity to fulfil the orders.
The alleged representations resulted in clients parting with their money, according to prosecutors.
The total alleged prejudice is US$624 958.96 and ZiG1 275 878.35.
The State alleges that nothing has been recovered.
