Authorities in the Western Cape arrested suspects and seized devices during recent raids targeting illegal internet streaming services for DStv content. MultiChoice, working with its Irdeto Anti-Piracy Department and law enforcement, conducted two operations in Cape Town in February and March 2026. These actions disabled hundreds of user accounts and led to charges under the Cybercrimes Act.

The crackdown also includes recent court convictions in Paarl and Worcester Regional Courts. Officials emphasize that such efforts protect the creative industries and send a strong message against digital piracy.

Raids Target Illegal Streaming Operations

Police and MultiChoice teams carried out a search-and-seizure operation in February 2026 in Cape Town. They arrested one suspect linked to selling illegal streaming services and seized two cellphones for forensic examination, according to BusinessTech reporting.

A follow-up raid occurred in March 2026, leading to another arrest. Investigators accessed the suspect's streaming management panel and recovered system credentials. Preliminary analysis revealed the platform hosted 819 user accounts, with 715 active at the time of the raid.

Teams disabled all accounts and changed login credentials to stop further illegal access. Both suspects now face charges for unauthorised access to and interception of data under the Cybercrimes Act. Investigations continue.

Court Convictions Reinforce Anti-Piracy Efforts

Courts in the Western Cape recently concluded several cases tied to illegal digital activities through plea and sentence agreements. In Paarl Regional Court, one accused received a five-year suspended sentence for fraud, unlawful acts with software or hardware tools, and unlawful interception of data.

In Worcester Regional Court on 12 February 2026, two cases wrapped up. One accused faced convictions for unlawfully providing passwords or access codes and cyber fraud, resulting in an eight-year suspended sentence plus 36 months of correctional supervision, house arrest, community service, and rehabilitation programmes.

The second Worcester case involved convictions for unlawful access, unlawful acts with tools, and cyber fraud. The court imposed suspended sentences of five and eight years, along with similar correctional supervision conditions.

Tobias Maja, Senior Anti-Piracy Manager at Irdeto, stated:

“The arrests, prosecutions and sentencing send a clear signal that cybercrime and content piracy will not be tolerated.”

He added that authorities and partners stay committed to disrupting illegal networks.