POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Gambling Board, through the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) and the SAPS jointly witnessed the destroying of previously commercialised gambling machines on Wednesday (November 30).

The machines were confiscated from business owners, who they say are mostly foreign nationals located at township spaza shops.

The event occurred for the second time this year with 214 machines destroyed at the Bosveld Scrapmetal in Ladanna. 183 machines were destroyed in July bringing the total to 397.

The Limpopo Head of Proactive Police, Brigadier Isaac Mhlongo mentioned that this type of crime contributes to the downfall of both the economy and family structures because the use of the machines is not licensed and people risk large amounts of money meant to support their family to gamble. This, he said, causes violent disagreements and mental health issues leading to divorce, gender based violence and in worst cases, death.

Mhlongo said repeat offenders were identified during the recent operation and that information regarding when and how these operations are run has been withheld for the sake of not alarming those negatively involved.

Ledet MEC, Rodgers Monama said there are some civil society members who serve as informers whenever a suspicious gambling machine is discovered.

Monama was, however, not pleased that the punishment for crimes of this nature was not sufficient to deter offenders completely.

“We urge law enforcement agencies to strengthen the regulations around this crime in order to restore order in communities and the economy,” he added.