Hezy Motors Logistics director Hezel Silibaziso Mafu, who allegedly defrauded 14 clients of US$696,652 and ZiG1,313,670.16 in a botched vehicle import scheme, has appeared in court in Bulawayo facing 14 counts of fraud.
Mafu pleaded not guilty when she appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Lungile Ncube on Thursday.
She is being represented by Editor Mavuto of Maphosa and Ndomene Legal Practitioners.
Mafu was granted US$500 bail on condition that she does not interfere with state witnesses and resides at the address she gave to the court.
She was ordered to report to the Commercial Crimes Division in the Northern Region every Friday. The matter was postponed to 7 September for the start of the trial.
Prosecuting, Siphiwe Mhlanga told the court that Hezy Motors Logistics, located at the corner of Fife Street and 11th Avenue in Bulawayo, misrepresented to 14 complainants that it would procure, import and deliver cars from Japan on payment of a 50 per cent deposit, with the balance due on delivery.
“The first complainant paid US$3 940 to Hezy Motors Logistics (Pvt) Limited, but the accused failed to purchase the vehicle. When attempts to contact her failed, the matter was reported to police,” said Mhlanga.
In May 2026, the accused allegedly made similar claims to another complainant seeking a Toyota Vitz valued at US$6,500, the court heard.
“The complainant paid US$4 634 and ZWG37 791,81 to Hezy Motors Logistics (Pvt) Limited towards the purchase of the car, but the car was never bought, and the accused allegedly went into hiding,” Mhlanga said.
In another case, a complainant who wanted a car valued at US$9,000 paid a first instalment of US$3,000, followed by a second payment of US$3,450, after which the accused’s mobile number went straight to voicemail.
In a separate incident, a woman seeking a Toyota Aqua paid US$3,800 towards the purchase after being told the accused imported vehicles from Japan. She was told to return in two weeks, but when she went back, she could not find the accused.
She later reported the matter to the Commercial Crimes Division at Bulawayo Southern Region, prompting an investigation that led to the accused’s arrest.
Meanwhile, Mafu is also facing 79 counts of fraud in Harare after allegedly duping several people seeking to buy cars.
High Court judge Justice Custom Kachambwa granted her US$500 bail on condition that she reports every Friday to the Commercial Crimes Division, Northern Region, in Harare.
The state alleges she defrauded scores of clients of more than US$624,000 and ZiG1,275,878.35 through a bogus vehicle import scheme. Her trial in Harare is set to begin on 2 September.
More: Chronicle
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