Eswatini uncovers second suspected illegal gambling hub in Hawane
Each room was equipped with computers, mobile phones and high-speed internet connections set up to support coordinated online activity.
Eswatini.- Days after busting an illegal gambling operation at Castle Hotel, Eswatini authorities have uncovered a second site in Hawane believed to be linked to an alleged online gambling and fraud operation.
According to local reports, a recent police raid on Umushi Wenkosazane Resort led to the discovery of multiple rooms that had been repurposed into structured digital workspaces. Each room was equipped with computers, mobile phones and high-speed internet connections set up to support coordinated online activity.
Preliminary findings show that devices within the rooms were assigned specific roles, enabling simultaneous communication across multiple channels. Investigators believe this structure was used to facilitate organised online gambling-related interactions, as well as suspected fraudulent engagements conducted in real time.
The setup closely matches the arrangement previously discovered at Castle Hotel, suggesting a replicated operational model. A source said: “It’s the same setup, just a different location”, indicating a standardised system designed for relocation and continuity.
Similar to Castle Hotel, officers also found a room staged to resemble a police station, which investigators allege was used during video calls to apply pressure on individuals, potentially influencing financial decisions or compliance within the suspected scheme.
Authorities are evaluating whether the sites were part of a wider network used to manage digital betting schemes, influence outcomes or engage users under false pretences. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the operation, identify individuals involved and establish any links to licensed or unlicensed gambling platforms.
No details have been released on arrests or charges linked to the Umushi Wenkosazane Resort discovery, although similarities between the two sites have strengthened the case for coordinated enforcement action. Regulators are expected to review current monitoring frameworks as part of efforts to prevent similar operations within the industry.
