DStv parent company MultiChoice has played a role in the arrest of a Waka TV reseller after a raid conducted in Meadowlands, Gauteng, on March 7, 2025.
According to the broadcaster, Waka TV represents a type of IPTV piracy, which involves subscription-based illegal services masquerading as legitimate providers while offering unauthorised access to both live and on-demand content.
According to MultiChoice, the individual arrested was reportedly engaged in unlawful selling “loaded” IPTV boxes and Waka TV codes, utilising social media to promote and distribute unauthorised content.
The arrest occurred during an attempted transaction, which led to a search and seizure operation by law enforcement, which confiscated various pieces of equipment.
The suspect faces fraud charges, with additional cybercrime-related allegations currently under review. He has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court on March 27.
MultiChoice stated that multiple foreign currency transactions identified by prosecutors bolstered the case against the suspect, with ongoing investigations.
“This latest operation is part of a broader initiative to crack down on Waka TV resellers and other IPTV piracy networks, which have been linked to numerous raids and arrests nationwide,” MultiChoice announced.
The company emphasised its commitment to pursuing legal actions against anyone involved in the sale, distribution, or promotion of Waka TV.
Waka TV has been classified as an organised piracy syndicate, which has led to substantial revenue losses for the legitimate broadcasting sector.
Recent feedback from Irdeto indicates that IPTV piracy ranks as the fifth most common method for illegally distributing copyrighted content.
Social media platforms have also been identified as the primary means of facilitating content piracy, with accounts sharing and live streaming copyrighted material on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Broadcast piracy, which involves unauthorised redistribution of content through cable or satellite channels without the owner’s consent, is the second most common method of sharing copyrighted material.
Pirate streaming applications and illegal domains, which provide access to copyrighted content via apps and websites, respectively, rank third and fourth in prevalence. Both methods frequently include live sports streaming, a crucial aspect of DStv’s services and come at a significant cost for acquiring the necessary broadcasting rights.
