The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on Friday, arrested three people and closed down 19 gambling sites in the Northern Cape and North West.
Spokesperson Captain Philani Nkwalase said the intelligence operation was led by the Northern Cape Hawks and about 27 premises in the two provinces were pounced on unannounced in the operation.
“The illegal gambling sites were under our surveillance for some time, consequently, a take-down operation was conducted to dismantle the criminal enterprises. Numerous IT equipment such as gambling machines, computers allegedly used in the illegal gambling enterprise were seized during the operation as well as an undisclosed amount of money,” Nkwalase said.
“Three suspects who were allegedly involved in running the illegal network were arrested and more arrests are imminent. The three suspects arrested are expected to appear in court on Monday facing the possible charges of corruption, money laundering, racketeering, contravention of the national and provincial gambling acts.”
The illegal gambling sites in the Northern Cape were in Kuruman, Kimberley, Kathu, Kakamas, De Aar, Colesburg, Port Nolloth, Keimoes, Olifantshoek, Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Barkly West, Douglas, and Hartswater. In North West they were in Vryburg and Delareyville.
National Hawks head Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza commended all role players involved.
“This take-down operation is a huge knock to the network of criminal enterprise in both provinces. I want to commend the multidisciplinary approach where all role players from the [South African Police Service] SAPS and Hawks worked in attaining this massive success,” Ntlemeza said in a statement.
“This is just the beginning, more should be expected in other parts of the country and we will soon be knocking at their doors unannounced. We are committed to work around the clock to ensure that we protect the economy of this country and also make certain that those involved face the full might of the law.”
– African News Agency (ANA)
