News / National
Illegal gambling machines mushroom in Beitbridge
13 hrs ago | Views
Residents of Beitbridge town are calling for urgent action to tackle the rise of unlicensed gambling machines in high-density suburbs, which they say are exposing children to harmful gambling practices.
Community members have expressed frustration over the unchecked proliferation of these machines, warning of long-term consequences for the town's youth. Parents and social workers alike are concerned about the ease with which children can access these gambling hubs, often set up in residential homes.
Mrs. Babongile Gora, a local social worker, condemned operators of the machines for prioritizing profit over the welfare of children.
"The people setting up these machines where children have unlimited access are being irresponsible. They are focused on making money without considering the future of these young children, who are being initiated into gambling," she said.
Gora revealed that many parents have reported cases of children stealing money to fuel their gambling habits.
"If this issue is left unchecked, we risk creating a generation of criminals. These children will develop gambling addictions that will be difficult to break," she added.
Mr. Kudakwashe Chasauka, a resident of Dulivhadzimu suburb, called on law enforcement and local authorities to intervene.
"As long as these machines remain in residential areas, it will be challenging to control gambling or prevent children from accessing them. We urge the ZRP, municipal police, and all relevant stakeholders to address this issue as a matter of urgency before the situation gets out of control," he said.
Ms. Keabetsoe Malutha, a specialist in children with special needs, emphasized the potential for addiction among young players.
"It's disheartening to see adults introducing children to gambling. Most of these children are at high risk of addiction. Gambling benefits only the operators while destroying the future of these young individuals," she said.
Ms. Lumbedzani Ribombo, a member of the Beitbridge Residents Association, echoed the sentiment, advocating for stricter enforcement of gambling regulations.
"This issue of gambling machines operated from houses should not be allowed. Authorities must act decisively to confiscate these machines and hold the operators accountable. We are deeply concerned about this trend," she said.
Beitbridge East legislator, Albert Nguluvhe, assured residents that steps are being taken to address the issue.
"The issue has been brought to my attention, and I have since engaged the Lotteries and Gambling Board. They have assured me that they will visit the affected areas soon," he said.
Residents are urging authorities to move swiftly in addressing the issue, warning that the current situation could have long-lasting repercussions on the town's youth. There are calls for unlicensed gambling to be restricted to regulated spaces, with stricter penalties for violators.
As the community waits for intervention, the proliferation of gambling machines continues to pose a serious challenge to parents and children in Beitbridge.
Community members have expressed frustration over the unchecked proliferation of these machines, warning of long-term consequences for the town's youth. Parents and social workers alike are concerned about the ease with which children can access these gambling hubs, often set up in residential homes.
Mrs. Babongile Gora, a local social worker, condemned operators of the machines for prioritizing profit over the welfare of children.
"The people setting up these machines where children have unlimited access are being irresponsible. They are focused on making money without considering the future of these young children, who are being initiated into gambling," she said.
Gora revealed that many parents have reported cases of children stealing money to fuel their gambling habits.
"If this issue is left unchecked, we risk creating a generation of criminals. These children will develop gambling addictions that will be difficult to break," she added.
Mr. Kudakwashe Chasauka, a resident of Dulivhadzimu suburb, called on law enforcement and local authorities to intervene.
"As long as these machines remain in residential areas, it will be challenging to control gambling or prevent children from accessing them. We urge the ZRP, municipal police, and all relevant stakeholders to address this issue as a matter of urgency before the situation gets out of control," he said.
Ms. Keabetsoe Malutha, a specialist in children with special needs, emphasized the potential for addiction among young players.
"It's disheartening to see adults introducing children to gambling. Most of these children are at high risk of addiction. Gambling benefits only the operators while destroying the future of these young individuals," she said.
Ms. Lumbedzani Ribombo, a member of the Beitbridge Residents Association, echoed the sentiment, advocating for stricter enforcement of gambling regulations.
"This issue of gambling machines operated from houses should not be allowed. Authorities must act decisively to confiscate these machines and hold the operators accountable. We are deeply concerned about this trend," she said.
Beitbridge East legislator, Albert Nguluvhe, assured residents that steps are being taken to address the issue.
"The issue has been brought to my attention, and I have since engaged the Lotteries and Gambling Board. They have assured me that they will visit the affected areas soon," he said.
Residents are urging authorities to move swiftly in addressing the issue, warning that the current situation could have long-lasting repercussions on the town's youth. There are calls for unlicensed gambling to be restricted to regulated spaces, with stricter penalties for violators.
As the community waits for intervention, the proliferation of gambling machines continues to pose a serious challenge to parents and children in Beitbridge.
Source - The Herald
