POLOKWANE – Two former Build It Hardware employees are expected to appear in the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court today on fraud charges totalling about R360 000.

According to the Limpopo police, the suspects, aged 35 and 38, were arrested yesterday (September 11) after warrants were issued by the court.

Both men had previously worked as salesmen at the Lephalale store.

You might also want to read: Limpopo woman convicted for R2.5m Old Mutual fraud

The Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said the duo manipulated the company’s credit account system for personal gain.

“They allegedly used the accounts of unsuspecting clients to process purchases for walk-in customers, diverting the cash into their private bank accounts. They are further accused of instructing genuine credit account holders to deposit payments directly into their personal accounts rather than Build It’s official business account. Investigations revealed that 24 client accounts were compromised, resulting in financial loss,” his statement read.

The case was investigated by the Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, leading to the arrests.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the officers involved.

“Such fraudulent activities erode the trust between businesses and customers. The SAPS will continue to work tirelessly to ensure perpetrators of economic crimes are held accountable,” she said.