Waka TV Reseller Convicted in South Africa’s Crackdown on Streaming Piracy
A Waka TV reseller has been sentenced in South Africa, signaling stricter enforcement and intrigue around ongoing piracy investigations.
A significant legal victory has been achieved in the fight against digital piracy, with the Germiston Regional Court finding Vuyisile Victor Selem guilty on all charges in case 285/12/2023.
The charges included contravention of the Cybercrime Act 19 of 2022 and fraud – the accused has been sentenced to either a R10,000 fine or 12 months of direct imprisonment.
This case forms part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal IPTV service known as Waka TV, a pirate operation distributing unauthorised streaming access to premium pay television content.
The verdict follows a targeted raid conducted in Germiston, where Selem was apprehended assisting an undercover informant with the installation of an illegal IPTV box. Subsequent investigations revealed his role as a reseller for Waka TV, with further incriminating items seized at the scene, including:
- An unapproved internet streaming pirate device,
- Promotional banners advertising access to DStv Premium channels,
- A mobile phone containing details of approximately 90 paying customers.
All evidence was documented and submitted for forensic analysis, and additional suspects linked to Waka TV are currently under investigation.
This ruling stresses the serious consequences of engaging in digital piracy and marks a strong precedent in South Africa’s fight against cybercrime.
Further raids and legal actions against individuals affiliated with the Waka TV pirate operation are expected in the coming months.
The successful operation was the result of a coordinated effort between the Germiston SAPS Tracing Team, Germiston SAPS Detectives, and Irdeto Anti-Piracy investigators.
Commenting on the outcome, Frikkie Jonker, Director of Cyber Security and Broadcasting Piracy at Irdeto, the enforcement partner for MultiChoice Group in the
fight against piracy across the African continent, said:
This verdict is a good indication that the courts are getting tougher on those who commit crimes involving the illegal use of MultiChoice content. It sends a clear message that piracy will not be tolerated. We commend the South African Police Service for their professionalism and their continued support in fighting the fight against broadcasting piracy.
– Frikkie Jonker, Director of Cyber Security and Broadcasting Piracy, Irdeto
MultiChoice reaffirms its unwavering commitment to address streaming piracy and urges the public to report any suspected illegal activities (multichoice@piracy.co.za ).
