ILLEGAL gambling machines are alleged to be funding corrupt and criminal activities, including illegal cigarettes, illegal mining, human trafficking, drugs and prostitution.
This is because the money isn't accounted for and not easily traceable. To stop this, the Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet), MEC Rodgers Monama, together with the police and the Limpopo Gambling Board, destroyed 395 illegal gambling machines on Friday, 12 April.
During raids over the past five months, the machines were found and confiscated from foreign-owned spaza shops across the province.
The machines are distributed by unknown suppliers, especially in the evening, to various spaza shops. Once distributed, they are used for illegal gambling activities where cash, which is not accounted for through provincial financial platforms, is generated.
MEC Monama said he was disturbed that all the confiscated machines were only found in foreign-owned spaza shops.
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"Suspects were arrested during the raids, and all the accused were issued a written warning to appear in court. Sekhukhune and Mopani Districts are leading as the current findings indicate that the highest percentage of illegal gambling machines was confiscated within the two districts," he said.
Limpopo Gambling Board's Serobi Maja has urged members of the public said to inform them about the illegal machines.
"This is why we pay informers a fee to inform us about these machines. We're encouraging community members to help us because illegal gambling is escalating in the province," he said.
The board said if dealers are investigated, arrested and sentenced, they should be classified as money launderers.
Limpopo Police spokesman, Brigadier Leshoaneng Mantjane said police have prioritised illegal gambling and there are signs that they're winning the battle.
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