A Gweru-based Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer who recently took his own life had been chasing his sports betting dream on the popular online game Aviator, locally known as “Kandege.”
According to H-Metro, Constable Claude Jele had lost US$3,000, which he had borrowed, by the time of his death. Said a source:
<blockquote>
Officer vakakwereta mari ikanyudzwa nekandege. Zvavaremera kudzosa uye kuwana counseling kwakuzvitorera upenyu. (The officer borrowed money and lost it to betting. Unable to repay it and to access counseling, he ended up taking his own life.)
</blockquote>
Jele injected an unidentified poison shortly after penning a suicide note. In the suicidal note, Jele wrote:
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Having survived all these 38 years, I have reached a point where I feel like its all the same being on this earth or leaving. So plz do not accuse anyone or anything its my personal decision to end my life this way.
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<blockquote>
I have chosen my own path. I know you will be hurt, but I do not see any reason to continue living—I have failed.
To Ganizani and Keisha, this will cause you pain, and I ask for your forgiveness, my children. Grow up well; I am leading the way ahead.
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To the mother of my children, I say please do not trouble yourself wondering why this happened.
I am the one who made this decision after realizing that I have failed in life and see no reason to go on.
Mai Keisha, please do not let anyone suspect or blame you for anything—they had nothing to do with what I have done. We were living perfectly fine together.
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In his suicide note, Jele included the contact information of two people he wished to be notified of his death.
Jele’s tragic death underscores the serious dangers of online gambling, particularly as people may find themselves caught in a destructive cycle of addiction, financial loss, and emotional distress.
More: <a href="https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/tragedy-over-kandege-cop-commits-suicide-after-betting-losses/">HeraldOnline</a>
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Pindula News

A police officer in Gweru, Zimbabwe, took his own life because he lost $3,000 in online sports betting and couldn't pay it back. He left a suicide note saying he felt like a failure and didn't want to continue living. The officer took a poison and left contact information for loved ones. This sad event shows the dangers of online gambling, where people can get addicted, lose money, and feel very sad. It's important to know the risks before betting online.

ZRP Officer's Suicide Linked To Betting Losses

A shift manager at Simbisa Bakers Inn, William Gonese (28), was sentenced to 10 months in jail for stealing US$3,420 from his workplace to fund online gambling during a night shift.
Gonese, who lives in Unit M, Seke in Chitungwiza, admitted to the theft in court, saying he hoped to impress his new wife by winning enough money to repay the stolen funds and make a profit.
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/bid-to-impress-girlfriend-backfires/">The Herald</a>, initially, Harare Magistrate Lynne Chinzou sentenced Gonese to 30 months in prison.
However, 12 months were suspended for five years on the condition of good behaviour, and another eight months were suspended if Gonese repays the stolen amount. This leaves him with 10 months to serve in jail.
Prosecutor Audrah Chitoro told the court that Gonese was given a float of US$3,420 to serve customers at the Bakers Inn outlet on Chinhoyi Street in Harare.
During his shift, Gonese used the funds for online betting through InnBucks deposits, hoping to multiply the money.
At around 3:08 AM, he confessed to audit manager Yusufu Bruce that he had lost US$470 in cash and US$2,950 in InnBucks deposits while gambling.
A reconciliation confirmed the full amount was missing, leading to Gonese’s arrest and charge for theft.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A man named William Gonese who worked at Bakers Inn stole $3,420 to gamble online. He wanted to win money to impress his wife. He was caught and sentenced to 10 months in jail, but could avoid some of the time if he repays the stolen amount. Gonese was supposed to use the money to serve customers at work, but used it for betting instead. He ended up losing all the money. Now he has to go to jail for stealing.

Bakers Inn Manager Who Stole US$3,420 To Fund Online Gambling Jailed

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has announced a new 0.5% tax on the sales value of several fast foods, effective from January 1, 2025.
In his presentation of the 2025 National Budget at the New Parliament in Mt Hampden on Thursday, Ncube said the tax aims to encourage food operators to adopt healthier culinary practices and promote better eating habits. He said:
<blockquote>
The consumption of highly processed food has been identified as one of the factors responsible for the prevalence of obesity and associated non-communicable diseases, hence, the need for Government to promote responsible consumption of such foods.
In view of the above, I propose to introduce a Fast Foods Tax on the value of the following food items sold by Fast Food Retail Outlets and Restaurants at a modest rate of 0.5% on the sales value, with effect from 1 January 2025.
</blockquote>
The fast foods listed by Ncube are Pizza, Burger and Hot dogs, Shawarma, French fries, Chicken, Doughnuts and similar products, and, Tacos.
Ncube also introduced a 10 per cent withholding tax on gross winnings by sports betting punters. He said:
<blockquote>
Sports betting punters currently receive income from winnings, which is not taxable under Personal Income Tax. To include punters in the tax base, I propose to introduce a 10% withholding tax on gross winnings, effective 1 January.
</blockquote>
Since he was appointed Finance Minister following the November 2017 military coup, Ncube has introduced several controversial taxes that have further strained the financially burdened Zimbabwean population.
While the government’s intention behind imposing taxes on fast foods and sports betting winnings is to broaden the tax base, over-taxation can have several detrimental effects on both the economy and society.
High tax rates can discourage individuals and businesses from investing, working, or expanding their activities, ultimately reducing economic growth and productivity.
Additionally, when people face heavy taxation, they have less disposable income to spend on goods and services, which can dampen consumer spending and negatively impact businesses.
Furthermore, an over-reliance on high taxes for revenue can result in inefficiencies in government spending and a lack of fiscal discipline, as there may be fewer incentives to manage public funds responsibly.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube is putting a new tax of 0.5% on fast foods like pizza starting in 2025. He also wants to tax sports betting winnings by 10%. These new taxes are meant to make people eat healthier and expand the tax collection. But too many taxes can hurt the economy. People might not want to invest or spend money if taxes are high. The government might also spend money poorly if they rely too much on taxes. It's important to balance taxes so they help the country grow without hurting the people.

Mthuli Ncube Announces New Tax On Pizza And 10% Levy On Sports Betting Winnings

Social media site Facebook, as well as betting and pornographic sites, are the leading websites that are visited by Zimbabweans on the internet.
In contrast, in other countries like Mauritius, the leading websites visited by the people are research-linked sites.
This was said by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) CIRT and Enforcement Deputy Director, Evidence Mazhindu during an interview with<a href="https://x.com/ZiFMStereo/status/1803720951361614020"> ZiFM Stereo</a> in Gweru.
Mazhindu was speaking on the sidelines of a Sensitisation and Awareness Workshop on the Cyber and Data Protection Act. He said:
<blockquote>
Mauritius has the highest security posture in Africa. Zimbabwe, we are currently number eight but we are improving with all the Government initiatives.
The top 10 websites that Zimbabweans use and the top 10 websites that the Mauritians use, if you notice Mauritius, their top 10 websites, two of them are research-based.
Our top 10 sites in Zimbabwe right now, if you Google, it’s betting, it’s pornography, it’s Facebook. Where are we going?
We need to have a lot of research grants where these (young) guys have time and resources to work and research. An idle mind is the Devil’s workshop.
We need a lot of research grants for such talented students, we need a lot of practical channels and conduits where they can contribute to national efforts, Government efforts and educational efforts as well.
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Driven by economic hardships, many Zimbabweans, especially the young and unemployed, are seeking additional income through activities like sports betting and gambling.
The popularity of mobile betting and improved internet access has also contributed to the growth of the sports betting market in Zimbabwe, making it more accessible and convenient.
Meanwhile, decades of studies have shown that porn has negative side effects on people’s sexual and mental health.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Facebook, Porn And Betting Are The Most Popular Sites Visited By Zimbabweans - POTRAZ

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has banned its members from soccer betting after a picture of two uniformed police officers placing a wager in a betting house in Harare went viral, reported <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zrp-bans-police-officers-from-sports-betting-after-viral-picture/">ZimLive</a>.
Police officers found betting face arrest and detention, according to a 06 January “radio signal” sent to all police stations from “COMPOL OPS” (Commissioner Police Operations). It says:
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Commanders are requested to arrest, detain and advise this location all officers and members found betting.
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The memo reportedly originated from the office of Assistant Commissioner Kenneth Thebe who is in charge of ZRP operations, and was sent under the subject: “Soccer betting by police officers and members.”
The communication does not say what charges police officers face. However, the Police Act criminalise “acting in an unbecoming manner… reasonably likely to bring discredit to the police force.”
In Zimbabwe, soccer betting is not just a pastime but thousands of people will be trying their luck to supplement their paltry wages.
Police officers, like all State employees, are some of the worst-paid professionals in Zimbabwe with average salaries of less than US$400.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZRP Bans Police Officers From Sports Betting

Representatives from Bezbets Betting Company appeared in court on Thursday facing fraud charges after they allegedly refused to pay a punter who had won a bet. The punter claimed to have placed a bet on Roulette and won US$5400, but the company only offered to pay US$1800. The court postponed the case to December 8 for a possible trial, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200019591/punter-drags-betting-firm-to-court-over-payment-dispute">NewsDay</a> reported.
<h3>Some Context:</h3>
Bezbets Betting Company allegedly refused to pay the punter who had won $5,400 and blocked his account to hide evidence. The punter claims that he has been placing bets since 2022. After the disagreement, Bezbets deleted his account. The punter reported the incident to the police and through his lawyer Mr Tawanda Takaindisa sent a letter of demand to Bezbets to release the money within 24 hours <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/betting-company-fails-to-pay-winning-punter/">The Herald</a> reported. Read the letter:
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Our client informs us that he won USD$5 400.00 on October 26, 2023. On  October 27, 2023, our client demanded the release of the money upon which you indicated that you could give him US$1 800.00, contrary to the amount won.
This, therefore, serves as 24hrs notice to make the full payment of USD$5 400.00 to our client. Failure of which, we will be forced to take litigation against you. Your conduct is unprofessional and unethical as you have no legal basis to refuse to make the said payment.
</blockquote>
Before Bezbets blocked the punter’s account, he had taken over 80 screenshots of his betting transactions with the company as evidence. The punter claimed that Bezbets was not paying him his winnings and demanded a refund of all the money he had bet that exceeded $50. He said:
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I have been losing larger amounts of money to Bezbets while playing more than US$50 and they never raised that issue until when I won US$5 400.
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According to Bezbets’ terms, the minimum stake per transaction is set at $2,000, and there is no mention of United States dollar stakes. Bezbets has a payout limit of $15,000 for a single bet.
With the collapse of industries in Zimbabwe, many people have turned to betting as a way to earn income. Some lucky individuals win, but many end up losing money. They place bets on football matches, predicting the winning team, number of goals, goal scorers, corner kicks, and other statistics. The odds of winning are generally low. People also bet on animal races.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Betting Company Refuses To Pay Punter Of Over US$5000 Won

English Premier League clubs on Friday, 14 April agreed to withdraw gambling sponsorship from the front of their matchday shirts.
In a statement, the Premier League said the move came after consultations involving the League, its clubs, and the Government.
The Premier League said the agreement will begin at the end of the 2025/26 season. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Premier League clubs have today collectively agreed to withdraw gambling sponsorship from the front of clubs’ matchday shirts, becoming the first sports league in the UK to take such a measure voluntarily in order to reduce gambling advertising.
The announcement follows an extensive consultation involving the League, its clubs and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as part of the Government’s ongoing review of current gambling legislation.
The Premier League is also working with other sports on the development of a new code for responsible gambling sponsorship.
To assist clubs with their transition away from shirt-front gambling sponsorship, the collective agreement will begin at the end of the 2025/26 season.
</blockquote>
According to research conducted by Dr Darragh McGee of the University of Bath, whose results were published in 2019, “gambling is the worst addiction”.
His findings shared exclusively with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jan/10/football-gambling-dire-consequences-young-men-bet-new-study">the Guardian</a>, include some of the young men telling him they can no longer watch a football match unless they have multiple bets.
They said their football conversations with mates are all about betting, rather than the game. Said McGee:
<blockquote>
The study documented the unfolding stories of several young men whose everyday lives are punctuated by deepening social and financial precarity, high-interest payday loans and bank debt, mortgage defaults, family breakdown, and mental health struggles.
In particular, for young men who find themselves deprived of viable routes to employment opportunities, gambling promises an alternative route to wealth, social capital and masculine affirmation, yet most end up ensnared in a cycle of indebtedness.
</blockquote>
A total of £14.4bn was lost by people betting in the UK from April 2017 to March 2018, according to figures produced by the Gambling Commission.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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