WINNING usually calls for celebration.
But in Extension 4 of Mohlakeng in Randfontein, Gauteng, winning a game of dice is an invitation from death!
Residents recently told Daily Sun illegal gambling was out of control and someone was stabbed every weekend. The victims were usually people who had won. Community members said they were calling on the police to tackle the issue before more lives were lost.
Concerned resident Sipho Tshosa said: “Every weekend, almost every corner has a table full of gamblers.
“The police are not helping. They just drive past the gamblers without taking action.”
He said it was sad to see kids had started gambling after school. Sipho said he believed the high level of unemployment in the area contributed to the problem.
Elizabeth Mannapule (49), who buried her stepson Tiselo Solomon two weeks ago, said she discovered him dead in his shack two days after he had died.
She said she later found out he had won a game of dice shortly before his death.
Julia Kgomo (43) said she was still trying to come to terms with the death of her son Johannes, who was stabbed more than 15 times.
“When I see gamblers on the corner it’s like I’m seeing my son.
“He used to play dice and Fafi,” she said.
Julia said even though her son was a gambler, he didn’t deserve to die the way he did. She said she wanted the police to crack down on illegal gambling in the area.
Police spokesman Captain Appel Ernst said they were not aware of the issue.
He urged community members to report any incidents to the police on 011 767 2300 or 086 00 10111.
