Hazel Motors CEO Opposes Fraud Claims as State Alleges She Evaded Police for Five Months

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Harare

Award-winning businesswoman Hazel Silibaziso Mafu, the founder and chief executive of Hazel Motors Logistics, trading as Hezy Motors Logistics, is at the centre of a high-profile fraud case after prosecutors alleged she spent five months evading police while investigations into an alleged vehicle import scam intensified.

Mafu, who turns 36 on Saturday, appeared before Jesse Kufa on Tuesday for a bail hearing, where the State opposed her release, arguing she is a flight risk, could interfere with witnesses and may obstruct ongoing investigations. She has not yet been asked to plead to the charges.

According to the prosecution, Mafu left Zimbabwe through Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on 19 March 2026, shortly after four employees from Hezy Motors Logistics were arrested on fraud charges linked to the same investigation. Lead investigating officer Detective Sergeant Richard Maravanyika told the court that police had already begun searching for Mafu when she departed the country.

The State further alleged there is no official immigration record showing how or when she returned to Zimbabwe before surrendering to police last Friday in the company of her lawyer.

Prosecutors also told the court that two warrants of arrest were issued against Mafu on 14 May and 14 July 2026 after she allegedly failed to appear before the court.

During the bail proceedings, Detective Sergeant Maravanyika said investigators had obtained a search-and-seizure warrant to recover electronic evidence from the company's offices in Milton Park, Harare. However, when detectives arrived, they allegedly intercepted a vehicle carrying electronic equipment they intended to seize. The investigating officer told the court that police believe Mafu instructed staff to remove the devices before officers executed the search warrant.

"This demonstrates her propensity to interfere with investigations and conceal evidence," Detective Sergeant Maravanyika submitted.

The State also revealed that police are investigating a separate matter involving allegations of obstructing the course of justice.

Prosecutors allege that Mafu operated an elaborate fraud scheme from the company's Milton Park offices, allegedly prejudicing numerous clients of US$624,958.96 and ZiG1,275,878.35 through vehicle import transactions. According to the State, several complainants reported being told they would not receive their vehicles while the matter remained under police investigation. The court also heard that some clients were allegedly offered refunds as negotiations continued.

Among the documents produced was a refund settlement proposal dated 20 April 2026 between complainant Charles Tatenda Mademutsa and Hezy Motors Logistics' finance department, proposing a refund of US$4,000.

The State argued that releasing Mafu on bail would undermine public confidence in the justice system because of the seriousness of the allegations, the number of complainants and the risk that she could abscond. The bail application was adjourned to Wednesday, when defence lawyer Editor Mavuto is expected to cross-examine the investigating officer. Mafu remains in custody pending the court's determination of her bail application. Under Zimbabwean law, every accused person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.

Hazel Mafu fraud case