Northern Cape authorities crack down on illegal gambling in Kuruman
The enforcement action is part of a broader initiative to combat illegal gaming operations in the province.
South Africa.- The Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Board (NCGLB), led by CEO Modise Letselebe, has launched targeted operations to address unlicensed alcohol sales and gambling machines in local tuck shops.
In the most recent operation, NCGLB inspectors and South African Police Service officers raided five tuck shops in and around Kuruman. They confiscated five Chinese roulette machines and opened five criminal dockets. No arrests were made during the raids.
Letselebe said: “No tuck shop is permitted to operate such machines. We are committed to eradicating this illegal activity.”
He added that the board is particularly concerned about the rise in underage gambling, which carries strict penalties for minors, parents and operators. The board reports that cases of underage gambling in the province increased by 15 per cent over the past year. Operators who allow minors to gamble can face fines of up to R100,000 (€5,400) or imprisonment.
The Kuruman action follows similar raids in Kimberley on November 25, when six machines were removed from two tuck shops. The enforcement action is part of a broader initiative to combat illegal gaming operations in the province. In August, a three-day compliance drive covered Kuruman, Kathu and Batlharos, resulting in fines for illegal liquor sales and the removal of gambling equipment.
Letselebe confirmed that the NCGLB is now holding meetings with the Sol Plaatje Municipality, the National Prosecuting Authority and police to speed up prosecutions and revoke trading licences of offending tuck shops. Similar discussions will take place with other municipalities across the Northern Cape.
