Zimbabwe Police have confirmed that they do not know how Hazel Mafu entered Zimbabwe. The lead investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Richard Maravanyika, explicitly told the court that there are no official records indicating how Hazel re-entered the country before she later presented herself to the police with her lawyer.
-
Hazel Mafu, founder and CEO of Hazel/Hezy Motors Logistics.
-
The Charges: Accused of running an elaborate fraudulent scheme, defrauding clients of US$624,958.96 and ZiG1,275,878.35. She also faces allegations of obstructing the course of justice.
-
Attempts to Evade Justice: While police were searching for her, she fled Zimbabwe. Police allege she attempted to conceal evidence by ordering the removal of electronic gadgets from her offices before a scheduled raid.
-
Warrants: Two warrants of arrest were issued against her after she failed to appear in court.
-
Current Status: She surrendered to police with her lawyer last Friday and appeared in court for bail considerations. The State strongly opposes bail, arguing she is a flight risk, is likely to interfere with witnesses, and would undermine public confidence in the justice system.
Timeline of Events
-
February 13, 2026: Four employees of Hezy Motors Logistics appear in court facing fraud charges. Police officially begin looking for Hazel Mafu for questioning.
-
March 19, 2026: Hazel leaves Zimbabwe via Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport while police are actively searching for her. (There are no official records of her re-entry).
-
April 16, 2026: Hazel posts on Facebook from Osaka, Japan, stating she is “closing deals and building an empire.”
-
April 20, 2026: A refund settlement plan (proposing to refund US$4,000) is drafted between the company’s finance department and a complainant, which the State alleges was a tactic to delay proceedings.
-
May 14, 2026: The first warrant of arrest is issued against Hazel for failing to appear before the court.
-
July 14, 2026: A second warrant of arrest is issued against Hazel for continued failure to appear.
-
Late July 2026 (Recent Friday): Hazel presents herself to the police alongside her lawyer and is formally arrested.
-
Late July 2026 (Recent Saturday/Yesterday): Hazel appears in court for bail considerations (she turns 36 on this Saturday). The State strongly opposes her release, citing flight risk and potential witness interference.
