The Eswatini Gaming Board has dismissed a complaint filed by Abel 'Bells' Du-Pont regarding the disputed motorcycle draw at the 2026 Swazi Rally. According to the event organizers, the board made its ruling on Tuesday after considering evidence presented by both parties. Du-Pont had challenged the outcome of the draw, claiming that ticket number 2026 was announced as the winning number three times before he was treated as not being the rightful winner.
The controversy surrounding the grand prize draw began after the master of ceremonies, Mavree, announced ticket number 2026 as the winner. Du-Pont disputed the explanation that Mavree had mistakenly read the year printed on the ticket instead of the actual ticket number. The organizers stated that the Gaming Board heard oral evidence from the parties on September 9 before reaching its decision. The board's ruling confirmed that Sonia Paiva and the organizers had not changed the winning ticket, as alleged by Du-Pont.
The disputed motorcycle draw took place at the annual Swazi Rally, a major event that attracts participants from Eswatini and the international community. The organizers took pride in the platform and emphasized that they would not cheat anyone who had lawfully won a prize on the day of the rally. The issue sparked a public dispute after Du-Pont challenged the outcome of the motorcycle draw and claimed that video footage supported his account of what happened during the announcement.
Mavree apologized for the confusion and maintained that he had mistakenly read the year printed on the ticket. He explained that his thumb had been covering the actual ticket number while he held the ticket during the announcement. Mavree also stated that the ticket never left his hand and that there had been no second ticket or switching of tickets. The organizers deliberately refrained from responding to allegations on social media while the matter was before the Gaming Board.
The organizers expressed concern over serious and unfounded allegations that Paiva and the Swazi Rally organizers had cheated or intended to avoid awarding a rightful winner. They emphasized that the Swazi Rally had built a major brand through its annual event and that they valued the trust of participants and spectators. The Gaming Board's ruling addressed the allegations that had circulated online since August 30.
In response to the controversy, the organizers introduced additional measures to strengthen the visual verification process during lucky draws. They thanked members of the public for their patience while the matter was being deliberated upon and expressed hope that the Gaming Board's ruling would resolve the dispute. The ruling brings an end to the controversy surrounding the disputed motorcycle draw at the 2026 Swazi Rally.
The Eswatini Gaming Board's decision confirms that the Swazi Rally organizers did not engage in any malpractices during the event. The organizers appreciated the Gaming Board's role in resolving the dispute and looked forward to continuing to host successful events. The 2026 Swazi Rally was a significant event, and the dispute over the motorcycle draw had generated considerable attention.
Key points
- The Eswatini Gaming Board dismissed Abel Du-Pont's complaint over the disputed motorcycle draw at the 2026 Swazi Rally.
- The board's ruling confirmed that the organizers had not changed the winning ticket, as alleged by Du-Pont.
- The organizers introduced additional measures to strengthen the visual verification process during lucky draws following the controversy.
