By Staff Reporter
LEPHALALE – Two former employees of Build It Hardware in Lephalale have been arrested and charged with fraud after allegedly diverting customers’ cash into their personal bank accounts.
The suspects, aged 35 and 38, appeared before the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 12 September 2025, following their arrest a day earlier after warrants were issued against them.
According to reports, the duo, who were both employed as salesmen at the hardware store, allegedly exploited the company’s credit account system to enrich themselves. They are accused of using credit accounts belonging to unsuspecting clients to process purchases for walk-in customers.
In addition, investigators revealed that the pair allegedly instructed legitimate credit account holders to deposit payments directly into their personal accounts instead of the official Build It business account.
A total of 24 client accounts were reportedly compromised in the scheme, resulting in an estimated R360,000 financial loss for the company.
The case has drawn attention to the risks businesses face from internal fraud and the need for stricter monitoring systems. Police investigations are ongoing, and the duo is expected to make a follow-up court appearance soon.
