A former Sekgosese hardware store employee is expected in the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court, accused of defrauding over R600 000 from unsuspecting customers through a series of fraudulent invoices.
The 33-year-old suspect, who worked at a hardware store in Mopani District, was arrested on Sunday, April 5, in the Makhado policing area after a Polokwane High Court warrant (J50) was issued.
Provincial spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspect allegedly created fake invoices to divert customer payments for personal gain.
"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."
Police investigations have uncovered 26 fraudulent transactions linked to the suspect, collectively amounting to more than R600 000.
Ledwaba confirmed that the suspect will make his first court appearance on Tuesday, April 7, where matters relating to bail are expected to be addressed. Investigations into the case are ongoing.
The Star