Limpopo – A 33-year-old former hardware store employee is expected to appear before the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, facing charges of fraud after allegedly misappropriating over R600,000 through fraudulent transactions.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the arrest in a statement, saying: “A 33-year-old male suspect is a former employee of a hardware store in Sekgosese, Mopani District and is expected to appear before the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 07/04 facing charges of fraud.”
Police said the suspect was arrested on Sunday, 05 April, in the Makhado policing area after a warrant of arrest was issued by the Polokwane High Court.
SAPS explained that the alleged fraud took place in August 2024 while the suspect was still employed at the hardware store.
It said: “It is alleged that during August 2024, the suspect generated fraudulent invoices for customers while employed at the hardware store. Payments made by the customers were allegedly misappropriated for personal gain instead of being deposited into the business account.”
Investigators have since uncovered multiple incidents linked to the scheme.
According to police: “Police investigations have uncovered a total of 26 alleged fraudulent transactions, with an estimated value of over R600 000.00.”
The suspect is expected to make his first court appearance where bail proceedings will be addressed, while investigations into the matter continue.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
