A lack of capacity by the Gauteng Gambling Board in enforcing regulations and monitoring establishments that are illegally operating slot machines and other gambling devices is putting the lives and livelihoods of communities at risk.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands that the Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, urgently fill the vacant posts to protect our residents from being lured to illegal gambling, which will result in financial loss, violence, crime, and broken families.
The Gauteng Gambling Board has only three law enforcement inspectors instead of the required 10. Seven of the positions are vacant. All three of these officers have received death threats, obstruction, or intimidation while carrying out their duties and are compelled to work in pairs, which impacts the number of inspections they can carry out.
This information was revealed by MEC Maile, in a written reply to the DA’s questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).
According to MEC Maile, in 2023, law enforcement inspector positions were added to increase the Board’s capacity; however, they have not been filled since the operational structure was upgraded at that time. Some of the posts became vacant due to death or job termination.
The Gauteng Gambling Board is also deficient in compliance audit inspectors, having 18 out of the necessary 21, and 12 gaming control inspectors out of the desired 13.
In the past 5 years 1706 inspections have been conducted on unlicensed operations in premises in the City of Johannesburg (397), the City of Tshwane (666), the City of Ekurhuleni (421), Emfuleni (67), Midvaal (40), Rand West (41), Mogale City (38), Merafong (24), Sedibeng (3), and Lesedi (9).
However, the inspectors do not have the authority to close them down. The execution of search and seizure warrants as outlined in the Criminal Procedure Act is primarily the responsibility of police officials. Inspectors must be accompanied by law enforcement agencies when they conduct raids.
In the past five years, 1757 raids have been conducted on unlicensed premises, 1695 audits have been done, and 500 site inspections have been conducted by gaming control inspectors. Yet only 36 referrals have been made to law enforcement agencies. This situation needs to be urgently addressed.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would ensure that the Gauteng Gambling Board has sufficient law enforcement inspectors who can perform their duties without fear, supported by the required law enforcement officers to protect its residents.