Two arrested in Botlokwa illegal gambling raid

Authorities seized gambling equipment, cash and three allegedly fraudulent licence certificates during a joint operation in Limpopo.

South Africa.- South African authorities have arrested two suspects after uncovering an alleged illegal gambling operation disguised as an internet café in Skhokho Village, Botlokwa, Limpopo. The arrests followed a joint operation on October 13 involving the Limpopo Gambling Board (LGB), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs’ Immigration Unit and the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

Authorities seized 27 computer screens, 19 computer boxes, R1,070 (US$64) in cash and three allegedly fraudulent licence certificates from the premises. The suspects, identified as a South African national and a Zimbabwean national, were taken into custody for further questioning.

The LGB urged the public to avoid illegal gambling and use licensed operators. It also encouraged residents to report suspected illegal gambling to Crime Stop, the nearest SAPS station or the board directly.

The raid follows a series of enforcement actions against illegal gambling in the province this year. In March, the LGB and SAPS conducted a search and seizure operation at an illegal gambling site in Hoedspruit, resulting in five arrests and the confiscation of 17 computers. Two individuals were subsequently convicted of illegal gambling offences and immigration law violations by the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court on May 13.