A disturbing scene unfolded in Karoi’s Chikangwe suburb when a local teacher, driven to the brink of desperation by a $500 loss in the online betting game ‘Kandege,’ stripped naked and walked through the streets. The images, which have been circulating on social media, show the distraught man wandering in his birthday suit, as onlookers either kept their distance or fled in horror.
The incident has raised concerns about the devastating impact of online betting on individuals and communities. The teacher’s actions are a stark reminder of the dangers of chasing losses and the unpredictable nature of online gaming.
This incident comes just a month after a Gweru police officer, Claude Jele, tragically took his own life after suffering massive losses in the same betting game. Jele, 38, consumed poison after losing $3,000 he had borrowed in the hope of striking it big. In a heartbreaking note, he expressed despair, stating that after living for 38 years, he saw no difference between life and death.
‘Kandege,’ also known as Aviator, is a high-risk multiplayer betting game where players wager on a virtual plane that takes off, with the payout multiplier increasing as it flies. The catch? Cashing out before the plane disappears—making it an enticing yet treacherous gamble. The game’s design and the promise of quick wins can be particularly appealing to vulnerable individuals, leading them down a path of financial ruin and emotional distress.
The Karoi teacher’s incident and Claude Jele’s tragic death serve as a warning sign about the dangers of online betting and the need for responsible gaming practices. As the popularity of online gaming continues to grow, it’s essential to acknowledge the risks involved and take steps to mitigate them.
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