From Jet-Set Lifestyle to Courtroom Drama: The Unravelling of a Businesswoman’s Empire
Harare – A celebrated businesswoman, once lauded for her entrepreneurial prowess and globe-trotting lifestyle, now finds herself embroiled in a colossal fraud scandal, facing allegations of defrauding numerous individuals of a staggering US$624,000 and ZiG1,275,878. Hazel Mafu, the director of Hezy Motors Logistics, has appeared in court on charges related to an elaborate bogus car importation scheme, a dramatic turn of events for a figure who frequently shared her luxurious escapades and business triumphs on social media.
Mafu, whose 35th birthday celebrations last year saw her indulging in the cultural riches of Paris, Rome, Berlin, and Madrid, is currently awaiting a bail application decision. The allegations against her span a period of four years, from 2022 to April 2026, during which she purportedly advertised vehicle importation services across various platforms, promising to deliver cars on behalf of clients. However, prosecutors contend that these promises were largely unfulfilled, leaving scores of clients out of pocket with nothing recovered from their substantial losses.
The Rise and Fall of a Public Figure
Hazel Mafu cultivated an impressive public image, frequently appearing as a guest speaker at women empowerment forums and on radio shows, where she shared her journey to success. Her social media feeds were a curated tapestry of achievements and aspirational living. Just last year, she proudly announced her win of the Outstanding Young CEO silver award, marking her eleventh accolade in 2025. In a post brimming with gratitude, she wrote, “This marks my 11th award of 2025, Silver winner of the OUTSTANDING YOUNG CEO in Zimbabwe. I am grateful to every organisation that recognised me, as well as the partners who joined us along the way. Your trust and collaboration have been invaluable. I look forward to continuing our successful collaborations in 2025 and beyond. Thank you to everyone who has supported, believed in, and partnered with me this year. Together, we’ll continue to turn vision into reality. I appreciate the trust placed in me and remain committed to driving excellence, integrity, and impactful outcomes for our clients and partners.”
This carefully constructed image of trust and integrity is now under severe scrutiny in the courts. Her current predicament stands in stark contrast to the carefree celebrations of her last birthday, where she documented her European tour for her followers. From the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, where she posted, “On top of the World, Effiel Tower, Paris! Every moment feels cinematic,” to the ancient grandeur of Rome, where she mused, “Found Inspiration where ancient stones meet modern hustle. The COLOSSEUM looks timeless, and so to do my to-do list until I choose a standstill. Yes, it’s a holiday and resting is part of business. Rome you are amazing,” her life appeared to be a testament to her success. Her travels also included stops in Berlin, Germany, and the Royal Palace in Madrid, further cementing her image as a successful, well-travelled entrepreneur.
Beyond leisure, Mafu also showcased her business acumen through posts about international trips, such as one to Osaka, Japan, in April. Sharing a photo with businessmen, she declared, “On the other side of the world closing deals and building an empire. This journey has not been easy, but every sacrifice, every sleepless night, every door that was slammed in my face built the woman standing here today. To everyone who believed in me, prayed for me, cheered for me quietly and loudly, THANK YOU.”
Her influence extended to authorship, with her book ‘Dust Before Diamonds,’ which she promoted as a raw and real account of her resilience and leadership. “This book is my story. The raw, the real, the rise,” she posted. “Everything I went through I wrote it all down so that you can learn from the unfiltered experiences that shaped my path. It’s a story of resilience, bold leadership, and unfiltered truth from a woman navigating a man’s world. Gratitude to every supporter, mentor, partner, and follower. The journey continues and together, we rise.”
The Allegations Unfold
The charges against Mafu stem from a period between 2022 and April 2026, where she allegedly engaged in fraudulent activities through Hezy Motors Logistics. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) had previously launched a nationwide manhunt for Mafu in connection with an alleged vehicle importation fraud scheme involving losses of over US$155,000, affecting at least 20 complainants. This earlier figure, reported in May 2026, highlights the evolving nature and increasing scale of the alleged fraud, now reaching the current reported figures of US$624,000 and ZiG1,275,878.
A Broader Pattern of Vehicle Importation Fraud
Mafu’s case, while significant, is not an isolated incident in Zimbabwe. The country has seen a concerning surge in online vehicle import and property fraud, prompting warnings from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). Recent reports indicate a worrying trend of similar scams, with other vehicle importers facing charges for defrauding individuals of substantial amounts. For instance, a Harare-based vehicle importer recently appeared in court for allegedly duping five people of a combined US$47,000.
Furthermore, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has been grappling with its own set of challenges related to vehicle importation. There have been instances of fake vehicle import tax rebate letters being issued, with over 400 such letters issued in one year by a single individual, and 186 not even registered with ZIMRA. This has led to the recovery of hundreds of illegally imported vehicles through the abuse of tax rebates intended for civil servants. Two ZIMRA officers were also arrested for fraudulently clearing 50 vehicles without charging import duty. These incidents underscore a systemic vulnerability within the vehicle importation sector, which fraudsters like Mafu allegedly exploited.
The car import boom in Zimbabwe has also exposed a shadow cash economy, with passenger motor car imports rising significantly from early 2023 to US$6 million per month. This environment, characterised by high demand and complex regulations, creates fertile ground for fraudulent schemes.
The Impact and the Future
The victims of the Hezy Motors Logistics scheme are left to count their losses, with the promise of a new vehicle turning into a financial nightmare. As Hazel Mafu’s next birthday approaches, her situation is a stark contrast to the celebratory posts of a year ago. The legal proceedings will undoubtedly shed more light on the intricacies of the alleged fraud and its full extent.