Cops crack down on illegal gambling machine owners

POLOKWANE – These investigations were aimed at exposing owners of illegal gambling machines who operate in the province without the necessary documentation.

On Tuesday, the gambling board destroyed some of the illegal gambling machines to send a harsh message to those who own and operate the machines.

According to Senior Manager of Law Enforcement at the Limpopo Gambling Board, Philly Masogo, the investigations started last year in September.

“The investigations are led by the police since they are the ones who are mandated by the government to do so. We are clamping down hard on those who operate without licences.

“The investigations will continue until we are certain there is no one operating without a gambling licence in the province,” explained Masogo.

He added the machines that were destroyed were confiscated all over the province.

Masogo advised Limpopo residents to stop using illegal gambling machines since they do not comply with legal gambling rules and regulations.

“We appeal to people to help us deal with owners of illegal gambling machines. Anyone found in possession of such machines will be criminally charged and have to appear before a court of law,” he warned.

He further said informers can remain anonymous when reporting owners of illegal gambling machines.

People who wish to own and run gambling machines can go to the gambling board for more information on how to apply for a licence.

Polokwane Police Spokesperson, Capt Ntobeng Phala, confirmed the police are working closely with the gambling board in this regard.

“The Limpopo Gambling Board leads such operations and we only assist them for security purposes when they visit gambling institutions to check if their gambling licences are up to date, or to issue fines to those who operate illegally,” Phala added.

Owners of illegal gambling machines can be reported at the nearest police station or contact the Limpopo Gambling Board at (015) 230 2300.