Chief Luchembe, representing the Bemba people in Kanchibiya district, has called upon the government to enact stricter measures against illicit gambling operations. He attributes the proliferation of unlicensed gambling to an uptick in theft and truancy among the youth in his jurisdiction.
According to Chief Luchembe, youngsters are resorting to theft to sustain their gambling habits, while also skipping school to engage in gaming activities facilitated by machines strategically placed near shops and educational institutions. He expressed concern over the alarming rate at which children in his chiefdom are turning to theft in pursuit of gambling opportunities.
These sentiments were echoed during a recent visit by Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, to Chief Luchembe’s palace. During the visit, it was revealed that the chiefdom had taken proactive steps to combat the issue independently.
Chief Luchembe disclosed that the community had mobilized efforts to confiscate illegal gambling machines, colloquially known as Bonanzas, from various locations within the chiefdom. At the time of the visit, eight such machines had been seized.
In addition to theft, the chief highlighted a concerning decline in school attendance, attributing it to students skipping classes to indulge in gambling activities during school breaks. He expressed dismay over the easy accessibility of these machines, which are predominantly operated by Chinese nationals, posing a significant risk to impressionable young individuals.
While the chiefdom has implemented its own punitive measures against illegal gambling, Chief Luchembe emphasized the need for stronger government intervention to address the issue comprehensively and safeguard the future of the youth.
Chief Luchembe outlined one such local punishment, known as Umulima Chipuba (a farm for fools), whereby offenders are allocated a portion of the chiefdom’s farm to cultivate maize, which is later utilized for the benefit of the community and its visitors.
Main Image: Kalemba News
