Illegal gambling game rearing its ugly head again
Preying on the have-nots.
Ever wondered why women of all ages are gathering on the sidewalks lately?
The illegal gambling game moChina or fafi has reared its ugly head again. The gambling racket is apparently run by Chinese nationals. It first came to the Record’s attention when we noticed a substantial number of women had started gathering twice daily on the pavement opposite the Caxton building in Witpoortjie. This would happen mid-morning, at about 11am, and again mid-afternoon, at about 3pm. At first it was perplexing. A luxury vehicle would arrive then an exchange would take place with the women handing a small purse and a piece of paper to the driver. When the driver returned in the afternoon he would hand the little purse and paper back.
The Record investigated and one of the women explained. On the piece of paper, there are two columns, printed with 20 numbers in each column and a box next to each number. For example the numbers would range from 600 to 620 and from 621 to 640. The player can then place an amount on a number, for example 50c or R5. A player can also play more than one number. When the driver returns, he brings with him the number that has been “drawn”. If a player put money on that specific number, she gets a payout. The woman explained that for 50c she could get in the region of R28 and for R5, about R142.
The Record is currently awaiting comment on the matter from Captain Lydia Dikolomelo of the Florida Police.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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