Limpopo destroys hundreds of illegal gambling machines
Over the past three years, authorities have confiscated more than 1,000 illegal gaming machines. However, despite these efforts, illegal gambling machines continue to plague Spaza shops across the province.
South Africa.- The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), in collaboration with the Limpopo Gambling Board and the South African Police Service, has destroyed 373 illegal gambling machines confiscated during a joint operation.
The destruction exercise, which took place on Wednesday, July 22, in Ladanna, Polokwane, was overseen by Honourable Tshitereke Matibe, LEDET MEC, who condemned illegal gambling, citing its negative impact on job creation, community development and the province’s economic growth.
Matibe noted the proliferation of illegal gambling activities, especially online, which requires urgent attention and action from relevant authorities.
He said: “There are a lot of illegal activities even online. I think it’s one area that we need to move into. We also have young people below the required age who are participating in that. They are not only participating in gambling but also in buying liquor online, which is also a very serious matter.
“We were discussing and deliberating about it in the national liquor and gambling forums. So we must look at those areas.”
Over the past three years, authorities have confiscated more than 1,000 illegal gaming machines. However, despite these efforts, illegal gambling machines continue to plague Spaza shops across the province. While fines, ranging from R500 (€24) to R1,500 (€72), are imposed on those caught harbouring or operating the machines, LEDET notes with concern that these Spaza shops consider the penalties as a mere cost of doing business, rather than a deterrent.
The department claims that profits generated from illegal gambling activities go into funding organised crime, such as drug cartels, human trafficking and hostile economic takeovers in townships and rural areas.
Gregory Makoko, CEO at Limpopo Gambling Board, added: “The consequences of such activities will soon result in temporary or permanent closure of spaza shops as well as possible withdrawal of spaza shops licences.”
