In a massive sting operation led by the Northern Cape Hawks and the local South African Police Services, 27 sites were raided in the Northern Cape and North West, resulting in the closure of 19 sites. Hawks National Head Lieutenant General Mthandazo said, “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 SAPS and HAWKS worked in attaining this massive success. 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.”
Ntlemeza added, “The illegal gambling sites were under our surveillance for some time, consequently, a take-down operation was conducted to dismantle the criminal enterprises.”
Numerous gambling machines and computers allegedly used in the illegal businesses were seized during the operation, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash. Three suspects who allegedly were involved in running the illegal network were arrested and face charges of corruption, money laundering, racketeering and, contravention of the national and provincial gambling acts. Additional arrests are expected.
