Kandege's deadly wings: Aviator's Grip on Zim's De...

Kandege's deadly wings: Aviator's Grip on Zim's Despair

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

The alluring ascent of the Aviator online betting game, popularly known as Kandege, has cast a dark shadow over Zimbabwe, sparking widespread alarm as its high-risk, high-reward nature fuels financial ruin, criminal activity, and a burgeoning addiction crisis.

From stolen wages to tragic suicides, the game's siren call is leading many down a path of devastating consequences. While it is known as Aviator to some, to many Zimbabweans it is Kandege.

The case of William Gonese ,28, a Bakers Inn shift manager, paints a stark picture of desperation. Driven by a desire to impress his new wife, Gonese stole US$3,420 from his employer, plunging into the Kandege abyss.

"I started betting with US$350, and as I kept trying my luck, I ended up spending all the US$3,420. My girlfriend recently eloped to me, and I wanted to impress her if I had won the money," he confessed before Harare Magistrate Ms. Lynne Chinzou.

His story is a chilling echo of the many Zimbabweans lured by the promise of quick riches, only to find themselves ensnared in a web of financial despair.

The tragic suicide of police officer Claude Jele further underscores the game's destructive power. Losing US$3,000 on the Kandege betting platform, Jele penned a heart-wrenching farewell letter, detailing his emotional turmoil before taking his own life. His colleagues and family were left reeling, a testament to the human cost of gambling addiction.

"Gambling by its nature is risky and addictive," observed Arkstone Magochero, a patron at a betting shop along Robert Mugabe Way. "There are no jobs so people spend most of their time in these betting places for cheap income but, murungu anozongopedza zvake (the white man will eventually take everything)."

His words reflect a growing sentiment of desperation, as many turn to gambling as a desperate means of survival.

Fanuel Man'ombe echoed this sentiment, revealing the insidious nature of gambling addiction. "Gambling is now a way of earning money just like a normal job. I started playing for leisure until I got to a point where I rely on betting for expenses." The line between recreation and addiction blurs, as the allure of easy money becomes a perilous trap.

"Ini hangu mkoma ndakanzwa nezve akasungwa arisker mari yebasa haaah kunjuga zviriko hazvo," Admire Katsiru remarked, highlighting the growing awareness of the criminal activities fuelled by gambling desperation. (I heard about the one who got arrested for gambling away work money, gambling is real).

Forward Mushipe lamented the misplaced priorities of some gamblers. "It is unfortunate that people gamble with money for other important things like rent, school fees and all, but the essence of it all is to relax and play for fun, which has not been the case."

Authorities and mental health advocates are sounding the alarm, urging responsible gambling practices and emphasizing the need for support systems.

Betting houses like Mwos have even issued public warnings about the dangers of gambling with essential funds. Yet, the siren call of instant riches continues to lure vulnerable individuals into a cycle of destruction.

"This is not just a game; it's a social crisis," declared a mental health professional, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue.

"We are seeing a surge in cases of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation linked to gambling addiction. Families are being torn apart, and communities are suffering."