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Police Seize $29,000 in Illegal Multichoice Streaming Devices During a Johannesburg Raid
Police in Lenasia, Johannesburg, recently seized a large number of illegal MultiChoice streaming devices worth about $29,000 (R546,000) during a well-planned raid. These devices included Android TV boxes loaded with pirated content from MultiChoice and other streaming services, plus remotes, cables, USB sticks, a laptop, and even a cellphone. The haul was huge and shows how serious the problem of illegal streaming has become in the area.
The operation was led by the Hawks, South Africa’s specialized police unit that deals with serious crimes like fraud, organized crime, and cybercrime. They teamed up with crime intelligence units and MultiChoice to track down and stop this illegal activity. The police had been investigating the suspect since July 2025, after finding out he was selling these illegal streaming devices in Johannesburg. What made these boxes so popular was that they let people watch movies, TV shows, and live channels without paying for any subscriptions, which is completely illegal.
This case was handled under South Africa’s Cybercrimes Act, which targets hacking and distributing digital content without permission. The suspect was arrested and taken to Soweto Magistrate’s Court, but the case is still ongoing as officials thoroughly examine the seized devices. There’s a chance more charges will come up once everything is reviewed.
Illegal MultiChoice streaming devices in Johannesburg are more than just a loss of revenue for companies; they also hurt local creators and the entertainment industry as a whole. Tobias Maja, a senior manager at MultiChoice’s anti-piracy branch, Irdeto, explained that piracy steals money from broadcasters and creators, threatening jobs and holding back industry growth. This helps put into perspective why those involved in illegal streaming face strong action.
Another important point is that these devices can be dangerous to users. Many come with hidden software that might steal personal information or infect devices with viruses. That means anyone using them could risk identity theft or other cyber problems, which isn’t worth the “free” content they get.
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This raid is a clear warning to everyone: buying or using illegal streaming boxes is against the law and can lead to serious consequences. For the entertainment industry, it shows how important it is to keep a close eye on piracy and fight it hard. By taking down these illegal MultiChoice streaming devices in Johannesburg and arresting those involved, police and companies like MultiChoice are protecting creators, paying customers, and the entire creative economy.
The Johannesburg police seizure of $29,000 in illegal MultiChoice streaming devices highlights the ongoing battle against piracy. It sends a message that illegal streaming will not be tolerated, aiming to protect both the industry and the regular viewers who play by the rules.
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