Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
THE Lotteries and Gaming Board, with support from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, has intensified its crackdown on illegal gaming activities in Beitbridge District. This operation has led to the destruction of 84 counterfeit gaming (fruit) machines seized from both businesses and private homes.
Several operators had installed illegal gaming devices in their homes, prompting community complaints about the machines attracting children under the age of 18.
The move follows growing concern from Beitbridge residents over the proliferation of unlicensed gambling machines in high-density suburbs, which are reportedly drawing in young children. The destruction of the machines at Mashavire Business Centre was witnessed by stakeholders, including residents from various suburbs of the border town.
An awareness campaign aimed at discouraging excessive and illegal gambling was also conducted, beginning at the main police station and passing through several business centres in Beitbridge.
Lotteries and Gaming Board Interim Secretary, Dr Misheck Chingozha, described the confiscation and destruction of the illegal machines as a major step in enforcing the law governing the gaming sector.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Board’s Financial Controller, Mr Bornwell Madhake, Dr Chingozha said the operation was part of efforts to realign processes and operations within Zimbabwe’s gaming industry.
“Today, the gaming industry in Zimbabwe takes a major step forward, with compliance at the forefront of its future growth. The destruction of these confiscated illegal gaming machines sends a bold message to the nation that illegal gaming has no place in Zimbabwe,” said Dr Chingozha.
“We are laying the foundation for a thriving gaming industry—one built on legitimacy and a firm commitment to justice, fairness, and national pride. This moment must echo our duty to protect the economy, defend our people, and uphold the values that move our nation forward.”
He reminded residents and businesses that a better Zimbabwe cannot be built through shortcuts or in the shadows, but through courageous leadership, vigilant citizenship, and adherence to the rule of law.
Dr Chingozha emphasised that illegal gaming undermines the integrity of the industry and disadvantages both legitimate operators and the regulatory authority.
“This behaviour must be rejected by all forward-looking citizens and responsible players. Legitimate gambling contributes to society and Government revenue streams. The leakages caused by illegal gaming are not only harmful but destructive to the socio-economic fabric of the nation,” he said.
“As the regulator of the gaming industry in Zimbabwe, we wish to make it unequivocally clear that the importation, installation, and operation of unapproved gambling devices is illegal. We strongly urge individuals in Beitbridge and across the country to immediately cease all illegal gaming activities.”
“Gaming is a highly regulated space, and there is no room for criminality in a progressive Zimbabwe. We stand united in saying ‘NO’ to illegal gaming operations. Let us work together to uphold integrity, fairness, and the rule of law in our industry.”
Beitbridge District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Melusi Ncube, said illegal gaming activities prey on the vulnerable, erode lawful business, and fuel criminal syndicates operating in the shadows.
“The stakes—quite literally—are far too high for us to respond with anything less than robust and unrelenting action,” he said.
He called for collective efforts from stakeholders and community members to end illegal and excessive gambling.
Chief Supt Ncube said that police, in collaboration with the Board, are actively tracing the origins of the machines and pursuing those who manufacture, import, distribute, or finance these illicit activities.
“The destruction of these illegal gaming machines is a firm stance—a symbolic purging of lawlessness from the gaming industry.
“To the public, to operators in the shadows, and to those who think the law is asleep—take heed. Illegal gaming is now categorised as a priority crime, not just a nuisance. It is a criminal act that undermines Zimbabwe’s economy and erodes our moral values.
“As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, together with the Lotteries and Gaming Board and all key enforcement stakeholders, we are fully mobilised.”
