North West trains investigators to strengthen illegal gambling prosecutions

The NWGB, SAPS and NPA examined evidence, documentation and coordination gaps affecting cases against illegal gambling operations.

Key takeaways:

• The North West Gambling Board joined SAPS and the NPA for a Back to Basics training session on illegal gambling investigations and prosecutions.
• The session examined evidence collection, court documentation, procedural compliance and coordination between investigators and prosecutors.
• Participants highlighted errors in court notices, inadequate evidence and withdrawn cases as factors affecting prosecution outcomes.
• The training also addressed difficulties identifying and prosecuting the owners and beneficiaries behind illegal gambling operations.
• The NWGB said stronger cooperation with SAPS and the NPA is needed to build cases and hold those controlling illegal operations accountable.

South Africa.- The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) has joined the South African Police Service (SAPS) and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in a training initiative aimed at strengthening prosecutions of illegal gambling operations. Held at Rio Hotel Casino in Klerksdorp, the Back to Basics session examined weaknesses in evidence collection, court documentation and coordination between investigators and prosecutors. Participants also discussed how to hold the owners and beneficiaries of illegal operations accountable, rather than prosecuting only employees involved in arrests.

The session featured presentations by Advocate Van Biljon and Simon Mogapi on the legal requirements for addressing offences involving cybercrime, racketeering and illegal gambling. The facilitators stressed the importance of proper evidence collection and documentation, compliance with court procedures and coordination between investigators and prosecutors during case preparation.

Mogapi noted that illegal gambling extends beyond the operation of unlicensed machines and premises. It can expose children to gambling, undermine licensed businesses and create opportunities for the movement of illicit proceeds.

Participants raised concerns about difficulties in pursuing cases when court notices are completed incorrectly, evidence is inadequately documented or cases are withdrawn. They also discussed the challenge of holding the owners and beneficiaries of illegal gambling operations accountable when arrests involve employees rather than those who control the businesses. The session highlighted the need for stronger evidence, better case preparation and closer coordination between investigators and prosecutors to address these challenges.

The NWGB said that despite persistent enforcement challenges, it had made progress in tackling illegal gambling through raids, site closures and the seizure and destruction of illegal machines. However, it stressed the need for closer cooperation with SAPS and the NPA to strengthen prosecutions and hold those behind the operations accountable.