Limpopo’s crackdown on illegal gambling: 373 machines destroyed
The Limpopo Gambling Board destroyed 373 illegal gambling machines and warned spaza shop owners of harsh consequences for aiding illegal gambling operations.
POLOKWANE – The Limpopo Gambling Board (LGB), in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) and the police, continues to crack down on illegal gambling in the province.
Last Wednesday, 373 illegal gambling machines, confiscated from various spaza shops over the past 36 months, were destroyed at Bosveld Scrapyard.
In a continued fight against illegal gambling, the Limpopo Gambling Board’s engagement with Ledet may soon result in a multi-task team involving municipalities, the police and Home Affairs, aimed at decisively dealing with perpetrators.
LGB CEO Gregory Makoko said they can no longer allow soft penalties for those found guilty of operating or supporting syndicates that cripple the province’s economy, expose children to illegal gambling and damage the image of the gambling sector.
Spaza shop owners were warned that if they continue to facilitate illegal gambling on their premises, they could face temporary or permanent closure of their shops, as well as the withdrawal of their licences or permits.
This comes after the courts’ current fines of R500 to R1 500 were found to be ineffective, as facilitators of illegal gambling often make thousands of rands per week.
Brig Marlize Potgieter issued a stern warning, saying that illegal gambling is a criminal offence.
She said there is also a need to conduct awareness campaigns targeting young children in schools, and she reiterated the police’s commitment to working with the board to strengthen their partnership.
MEC Tshitereke Matibe condemned illegal gambling operations, saying they deprive the province of job creation, community empowerment and a thriving township economy.
While overseeing the destruction of the gambling machines, he also raised concerns about the growing problem of online gambling and liquor sales.
“It’s something we need to look into, especially underage online gambling and the purchasing of liquor online,” he said.
He commended the board and the police for their dedication in combating illegal gambling.
