Zero Tolerance: Zimbabwe Destroys 84 Counterfeit Slot Machines

Illegal Gambling Hurts Vulnerable Groups

Police commander Superintendent Melusi Ncube addressed the crowd at the destruction site, emphasizing that unregulated gambling siphons revenue from legitimate operators and exploits vulnerable populations.

“These counterfeit operations harm legitimate businesses and profit off society’s most at-risk individuals,” Ncube stated. “Our response must be firm and unrelenting because the stakes—quite literally—are too high.”

Regulators Reassert Authority

The public destruction was spearheaded by the Lotteries and Gaming Board as part of a broader initiative to restore integrity in Zimbabwe’s gambling sector. Dr. Misheck Chingozha, Acting Secretary General of the Board, declared the action both punitive and symbolic.

“Today marks a significant step toward compliance and future growth in Zimbabwe’s gambling industry. This sends a clear message across the nation: illegal gambling has no place here.”

Licensed operators applauded the event, viewing it as a necessary stand against unfair competition. Dr. Chingozha also highlighted the economic importance of a well-regulated gambling sector, noting that illicit machines divert funds from national development projects.

“Legal gambling is a critical contributor to both community welfare and government revenue,” he added. “Illegal operations erode our socioeconomic structure and damage Zimbabwe’s global image.”

Public Demonstration of Enforcement

Officials strategically chose the high-traffic Mashavire Business Centre as the destruction site to maximize visibility and public impact. Industry stakeholders and community members observed the machines’ dismantling, reinforcing the message of zero tolerance.

Mobile Awareness Campaign

Simultaneously, a convoy of police vehicles and Lotteries and Gaming Board representatives launched a mobile awareness campaign. Beginning at the city’s central bus station, the convoy moved through Beitbridge’s key commercial areas. Loudspeakers broadcast tips on identifying counterfeit machines, while leaflets detailed the legal consequences of harboring or operating unlicensed devices.

Residents were encouraged to report suspicious activities, with officials stressing that community vigilance is vital to maintaining a clean gambling environment. Along the route, representatives clarified that regulated gambling is meant for adult entertainment and includes strict oversight such as payout verification, age restrictions, and contributions to social welfare funds.

In contrast, counterfeit slot machines often feature rigged odds, refuse to pay winnings, and offer players no legal recourse.

Support for Legal Operators

The operation also sent a strong message to compliant operators: the government is committed to maintaining a fair and orderly market. Authorities hinted that the Beitbridge raids are just the beginning of a broader nationwide crackdown, with future inspections planned for arcades and in-home gambling setups.

Dr. Chingozha urged all operators to maintain accurate records and renew licenses on time, promising that:

“Those who follow the rules can expect government protection and support.”

With 84 counterfeit slot machines reduced to scrap, Zimbabwean regulators are optimistic about the sector’s future. Continued collaboration between law enforcement, community watchdogs, and legitimate operators is expected to curb illegal gambling and ensure that gambling revenues benefit public services and responsible players alike.