Alleged DStv streaming pirate arrested

DStv owner MultiChoice and its anti-piracy partners carried out a successful raid in Eldorado Park, Soweto, on 22 November 2024, resulting in the arrest of an alleged Waka TV reseller.

Authorities have been tracking the case since August 2024, when the alleged reseller was identified in Eldorado Park, which prompted an enquiry by South African Police Service (SAPS) detectives.

“Following a thorough investigation, SAPS secured a Cyber Crime Search and Seizure warrant and authorisation for an Entrapment Section 252A,” says MultiChoice.

It noted that Section 252A of the Criminal Procedure Act permits law enforcement to carry out undercover operations and use traps to investigate, identify, or prevent times.

“On 22 November 2024, the entrapment operation was successfully conducted, leading to the arrest of the suspect,” says MultiChoice.

Authorities confiscated various items, including a laptop, two cellphones, two IPTV boxes, and Waka codes that were distributed to various customers.

The SAPS noted that the suspect is allegedly linked to the control panel of another suspect that was apprehended earlier in November following a separate investigation by Irdeto.

“Following the search and seizure warrant, a criminal case was registered at the Eldorado Park SAPS,” said MultiChoice.

The suspect appeared in the Lenasia Court on the day of his arrest, and the case has been adjourned to 28 November 2024, with the suspect being released on R5,000 bail.

The successful raid resulted from a collaboration between Irdeto, Eldorado Park SAPS detectives, and the SAPS Tracing Unit.

“MultiChoice remains committed to working with law enforcement and other stakeholders to investigate and bring to justice individuals involved in pirate operations, including resellers,” added MultiChoice.