Customs seizes 30,600 counterfeit DStv goods

MultiChoice says border police detained 30,600 counterfeit universal chargers bearing marks identical or confusingly similar to DStv trademarks.

The pay-TV operator said all such detentions are now submitted for criminal prosecution, reflecting a stronger national stance against counterfeit trade.

This was in alignment with new procedures adopted by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Commercial Crime Unit, and the National Prosecuting Authority.

As part of this broader enforcement effort, MultiChoice, in collaboration with customs authorities and the SAPS, recently took action against an alleged counterfeit goods importer.

MultiChoice said that together with law enforcement, it successfully concluded proceedings under the Counterfeit Goods Act against Uni Li Cell (Pty) Ltd and its sole director.

This followed the seizure of counterfeit power supply units imported through Durban harbour.

MultiChoice said border police intercepted a shipment of approximately 5,000 counterfeit chargers and power supply units falsely branded to appear compatible with DStv decoders on 13 June 2024.

“These items bore the counterfeit mark ‘Dtv’, a brand deceptively similar to the registered DStv trademarks, posing a significant threat to consumers and brand integrity,” the company stated.

The importer signed a formal undertaking in settlement of the civil case, agreeing to deliver all the infringing goods and paying a cost contribution of R40,000.

MultiChoice said the counterfeit power supplies were crushed manually with hammers to extract recyclable components.

Cables were stripped to recover copper wiring, and all cardboard packaging was collected for recycling by authorised agents.

The company said the process was carefully documented and overseen to ensure legal and environmental standards compliance.

“This is a significant victory in our ongoing efforts to combat the trade in counterfeit goods,” said Frikkie Jonker, director of broadcast and cybersecurity at Iderto.

“We commend the Border Police, Commercial Crime Unit, and our legal partners for their collaboration and dedication in protecting South African consumers and our brand.”