Hawks cracks on illegal gambling in Mahikeng

NORTHWEST – Zehao Zehong (29) was granted R3000 bail by the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday following his arrest on 25 August 2019 in Mahikeng on a joint operation by the Serious Organised Crime Unit of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Flying squad, LCRC , Department of Home Affairs and the Gambling board aimed at addressing illegal gambling.

The suspect who allegedly illegally manufactures gambling machines was charged under Section 60 and 82 of the Gambling Act. He was also slapped with an additional charge for contravening the National Environment Management-Biodiversity (NEMBA) Act after a Pangolin and Python’s skins were found in his house during the search.

Fifty-nine gambling machines, several gambling-related equipment and cash were subsequently seized.

The matter has been remanded to 17 January 2020 for further investigation.