An intelligence driven operation led by the Northern Cape Hawks has led to the closure of 20 gambling sites which borders two provinces on Friday.
Almost 27 premises in the Northern Cape and North West were pounced on unannounced in a massive operation which included Hawks members from national office, the neighbouring provinces as well as the local SAPS members.
The illegal gambling sites were under our surveillance for some time, consequently, a take-down operation was conducted to dismantle the criminal enterprises. Numerous IT equipment such as gambling machines, computers allegedly used in the illegal gambling enterprise were seized during the operation, an undisclosed amount of money as well as firearms.
Three suspects who were allegedly involved in running the illegal network were arrested and more arrests are imminent. They are expected to appear at the Kimberley Magistrate court on Monday.
The 20 illegal gambling sites are spread as follows:
Northern Cape – Kuruman (1), Kimberley (2), Kathu (2), Kakamas (1), De Aar (1), Colesburg (1), Port Nolloth (1), Keimoes (1), Olifantshoek (1), Postmasburg (1), Danielskuil (1) Barkly West (1) Douglas (1) Hartswater (1)
Northern West – Vryburg (3), Delareyville (1)
The Hawks National Head, Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza commended all role players involved in ensuring this success. “This take-down operation is a huge knock to the network of criminal enterprise in both provinces. I want to commend the multidisciplinary approach were all role players from the SAPS and HAWKS worked in attaining this massive success.
“This is just the beginning and more should be expected in other parts of the country. We are soon going to be knocking at their doors unannounced. We are committed to work around the clock to ensure that we jealously protect the economy of this country and also make certain that those involved face the full might of the law”.
