Cape Town – MultiChoice the owners of DStv, in collaboration with law enforcement, has dealt another blow to illegal streaming operations in South Africa, with the arrest of an individual in Worcester, Western Cape, on 19 September 2024.
The suspect is accused of distributing login credentials providing unauthorised access to premium MultiChoice content. This raid follows a series of similar operations across the country, highlighting a concerted effort to combat online piracy.
The individual appeared in court on 20 September, facing charges under both the Copyright Act and the Cybercrimes Act of 2020. Bail was granted pending further legal proceedings. Several pieces of equipment were seized during the raid, which will assist ongoing investigations. This arrest is just the latest in a string of successful operations targeting illegal streaming activities.
“This arrest is another milestone in our unwavering efforts to disrupt illegal streaming networks that harm legitimate businesses and the wider entertainment industry,” stated Frikkie Jonker, broadcasting cybersecurity anti-piracy director at Irdeto, MultiChoice's anti-piracy partner.
“We remain focused on identifying further targets, and we are confident that more raids will follow. Our message is clear: those engaging in illegal streaming activities will face justice.”
MultiChoice has confirmed that further enforcement actions are planned in the coming weeks.
The company's anti-piracy efforts have yielded significant results in recent months. Earlier in September, a raid in Germiston resulted in the arrest of an individual allegedly supplying illegal streaming devices offering unauthorised access to SuperSport content. In July, another arrest in Eldorado Park targeted the sale of login credentials and pirate streaming devices.
June saw two significant raids: one resulting in the arrest of a “piracy kingpin” in the Western Cape linked to Waka TV, and another in Johannesburg targeting the illegal sale of streaming devices granting access to MultiChoice content.
MultiChoice’s legal strategy focuses on several key legislative violations: Section 2 of the Cybercrime Act 19 of 2020 (unauthorized access to content); Sections 44 & 45 of the RICA Act 70 of 2002 (possession and sale of infringing devices); and Section 27 of the Copyright Act 98 of 1978 (infringement of a rightsholder’s rights).
The company has also warned subscribers of illegal streaming services about the potential legal risks involved. “Subscribing to pirate services can expose individuals to significant legal risks. Users may face fines or legal action for accessing content illegally,” MultiChoice cautioned.
According to Jonker, the Cybercrimes Act outlines several offences related to content piracy, including unauthorised access to computer data storage containing pirated content; interception of data; possession of illegally intercepted content; interference with data or computer programs; computer-related fraud; and the unlawful acquisition, possession, or use of passwords or access codes. Penalties under the Cybercrimes Act can include fines, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. Repeat offenders may face mandatory imprisonment.
Furthermore, pirates can also be prosecuted under the Copyright Act 98 of 1978. Section 27 stipulates that unauthorised distribution, reproduction, or sale of unlicensed material can result in fines of up to R5,000 and a maximum prison sentence of three years. This legal framework provides a robust foundation for MultiChoice's ongoing anti-piracy campaign.
