COPS IN UNIFORM NOT ALLOWED IN BETTING HOUSES TO GAMBLE ON, AMONG OTHER THINGS, KANDEGE

Latwell Nyangu

POLICE officers in uniform are NOT allowed to get into betting shops and gamble on either sports events or try their luck at casinos in this country.

This was revealed by national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, in Harare at the weekend.

Comm Nyathi was addressing delegates at the inaugural H-Metro National Forum On Responsible Betting conference, which was held at Alex Sports Club in the capital, on Saturday.

The conference was a resounding success and attracted a full house of all the major players in the betting industry in this country.

It was held in conjunction with the Lotteries and Gaming Board, the principal authority in the industry, the Government and various arms of this industry, which has been enjoying phenomenal growth in this country.

The overriding message from the conference was a call for punters to gamble responsibly to avoid negative consequences, including being jailed for abusing funds which belonged to other parties, including employers.

Earlier this year, William Gonese, 28, who was a shift manager at Baker’s Inn, was jailed for 10 years after he was convicted for stealing US$3,420 from his employer which he used to fund his gambling on Kandege.

It is also known as Aviator and this game has taken the local betting industry by storm.

Gonese said he also wanted to impress his new bride.

However, representatives of the betting industry questioned some of these claims and said some people were using their industry as an excuse when the crimes could have been committed in other ventures.

They said their investigations have revealed that many of these people probably never spent a cent in a betting shop or on any kind of betting.

It is against the background of such risks that H-Metro organised the conference for all the parties to come together and discuss this industry.

Comm Nyathi said police officers in uniform were not allowed to enter betting shops and gamble.

A number of pictures have appeared on social media platforms, which show uniformed police officers in betting shops, including some who appear to be betting on the counters.

Comm Nyathi said this did not give a good picture of the country’s police force.

Some delegates suggested that some of the police officers could have been visiting these betting shops to check on compliance given that the industry is battling to flush out some illegal and unregistered players.

However, Comm Nyathi said the police has a fully-fledged unit which deals with compliance and these units usually work as a team, and not as individuals.

He said the rogue police officers, who visit betting shops in uniform to gamble, will be dealt with accordingly while he also warned the operators against allowing people, who are below the age of 18, to enter their shops and place their bets, which is against the law.

Casino operators said their rules were very clear and they don’t allow police officers or soldiers in uniform to enter their premises and gamble.

During the discussions, stakeholders agreed that the industry has taken the country by storm and it has created many job opportunities but there was a need to regulate and protect the gamblers.

It was also agreed that there was a need to monitor the sector for public safety, ethical standards and adherence to national values.

Speaking during the event, Zimpapers board member, Mrs Sibly Madzikanda, said the group will give a bigger voice to events related to the industry and emphasised the need for people to gamble responsibly.

The Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, said the initiative is a collective resolve to foster a sustainable, well-regulated and socially accountable gaming ecosystem in the country.

“This conference is more than just an assembly of minds; it is a convergence of values, a platform of resolve, and a spark of transformation where we move beyond rhetoric to action and dialogue, as well as creating a more socially responsible gaming sector,” he said in a speech read on his behalf by the ministry’s director, Ms Prisca Madziviridze.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that the regulatory framework governing the gaming industry is robust, agile, and responsive to global best practices. In tandem with the principles espoused in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).

“We are embarking on comprehensive legislative reviews to tighten oversight, curb illicit activity, and stimulate ethical growth.

“It is our collective obligation to ensure that our policies not only embrace innovation but also safeguard the ethical fabric of our society.

“The socioeconomic impact of gaming in Zimbabwe is multifaceted. On one hand, the sector contributes to fiscal revenue generation and employment, particularly among our youth.

“On the other hand, we are deeply cognisant of the societal risks, gambling harm, financial risks, and associated with gaming.”

Chairperson of the Lotteries and Gaming Board, Dr Eugenia Chidhakwa, said the gaming industry in Zimbabwe was experiencing significant growth.

“The regulatory framework provides a solid foundation for the industry’s development, emphasising player protection and responsible gaming practices.

“As the industry continues to expand, it is vital to address challenges and seize opportunities to promote a vibrant and sustainable gaming ecosystem in Zimbabwe.

“There are ongoing efforts to update and enhance the regulatory framework that will ensure the industry operates in a fair and responsible manner.

“In this regard, the Lotteries and Gaming Board has amended the Lotteries and Gaming Act, chapter 10:26, to include Online gaming.”

Lotteries and Gaming Board CEO, Dr Misheck Chingozha, said: “The view that gambling is evil is fast disappearing, and all and sundry are embracing the view that it is a lucrative industry.

“Many economies are now riding on the shoulders of gambling.

“The Industry is now immensely contributing to the lives of the citizenry in a great way. With this trend, the future of the industry is bright.”

H-Metro Editor, Robson Sharuko urged punters to be responsible.

“Those guys who gamble, people say marombe aya, but this is a proper industry. We have to acknowledge that it’s employing thousands of people, but it has to be done responsibly.

“It’s a conversation we need to have every time.”

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