The MultiChoice Group announced on Monday that another arrest has been made in connection with the Waka TV pirate streaming operation.
This follows a raid conducted in Germiston on Friday, 6 September, with the suspect facing charges of theft, fraud, money laundering, and violations of the Cybercrimes Act.
In an e-mailed statement, MultiChoice highlighted that this arrest is part of a broader nationwide crackdown on piracy, which is being led by local authorities in collaboration with the broadcaster’s anti-piracy division.
“During the raid, the suspect was apprehended for allegedly assisting one of the investigation’s informants,” the statement said. “The suspect is accused of providing an illegal internet streaming device intended to facilitate unauthorised access to SuperSport content.”
The individual arrested is believed to be a reseller connected to Waka TV, a notorious piracy ring operating across Africa. Authorities seized various items during the raid, including an illegal streaming device, banners advertising unauthorised DStv Premium content, and a mobile phone containing the contact details of several individuals who allegedly paid for the illicit service.
Earlier in June, TechCentral reported that MultiChoice had conducted a similar operation against Waka TV with the assistance of Western Cape police. This earlier effort led to the arrest of a key suspect and was hailed by the broadcaster as a “significant victory in the fight against internet streaming piracy.”
With this latest development in Germiston, MultiChoice revealed that police have uncovered detailed financial records linking the arrested individual to another high-profile target. The investigation has now been expanded, and further arrests related to the pirate network are expected.
“The police have secured all confiscated evidence for thorough analysis. The suspect appeared in Germiston court this morning to face charges related to his involvement in these criminal activities,” the statement added.
The suspect’s bail hearing has been scheduled for 16 September.
Frikkie Jonker, director of broadcasting cybersecurity at MultiChoice-owned Irdeto, warned that more raids on resellers and outlets associated with Waka TV are imminent.
“Friday’s arrest marks another significant step in our ongoing battle against digital piracy in South Africa,” Jonker said. “We are actively tracking additional targets connected to Waka TV, and the message is clear: those participating in this illegal network will be brought to justice.”
