MILLICENT HUNGWE
Tapiwanashe Zembe (23), a sales representative from Harare employed by Sheffield Construction Company, was arrested for allegedly faking a robbery of USD$4 450 in a bid to cover up money he had lost through playing ‘chindege’ at MWOS in Chiredzi, on June 9.
This incident is not isolated but shows the proliferation of gambling addiction, particularly to the notorious “chindege” (Aviator game) which has taken a dark turn, exposing how such compulsive behaviors can drive individuals to commit crimes in a desperate bid to recover losses.
According to a ZRP Masvingo Province Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, Zembe arrived in Masvingo with two coworkers, Luckmore Gutu and Brighton Supiya, after collecting US$16,050 from sales within the city.
When his colleagues went home, Zembe remained with the money, shortly thereafter, he called Supiya, claiming he had been robbed by armed assailants.
They went on to report the “incident” to ZRP Masvingo Central, but investigations later revealed that Zembe had fabricated the robbery story to conceal his crime of squandering US$4,450 on the Aviator game.
This incident has sparked renewed concern about the dangers of gambling addiction, particularly as the Chindege game grows in popularity across the country.
Investigations by The Midweek Watch has confirmed that many, like Zembe, find themselves caught in a web of compulsive betting, unable to resist the lure of what appears to be an easy win, only to fall deeper into debt and criminality.
Dr Misheck Pachipano Chingozha, Interim Secretary for the Lotteries and Gaming Board said, “In response to such emerging threats, the Zimbabwean government has implemented several laws and policies to curb gambling addiction, the Betting and Totalizator Control Act Chapter 10:02 is central in regulating gambling activities, ensuring that operators follow strict guidelines to promote responsible gaming.
“The Lotteries and Gaming Board plays a vital role in enforcing these regulations, as outlined in their policy framework, they focus on Licensing and Regulation.
“It ensures that gaming operators meet legal standards that promote safe gambling environments.”
He went on to add that implementation of responsible gaming practices also mandates self-exclusion programs and limits on advertising to prevent exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
“Public awareness Campaigns educating the public on the dangers of gambling addiction.
“Monitoring compliance, which involves conducting audits and inspections to ensure operators comply with preventive measures.
“Data Collection and Research also gathers statistics to inform future policies and support services,” he explained.
Due to the surge in cases linked to the Aviator game, the Lotteries and Gaming Board has intensified efforts to combat addiction through targeted strategies, that include regulatory oversight of platforms hosting Aviator, self-exclusion programs to help addicted individuals block themselves from accessing games and operator requirements, such as time reminders and deposit
