Police in Lenasia, Johannesburg, have confiscated hundreds of illegal streaming devices valued at approximately $29,000 (R546,000). The seizure included Android TV boxes that were preloaded with pirated content from MultiChoice and other streaming services, as well as remotes, cables, USB sticks, a laptop, and a cellphone.
The raid was carried out by the Hawks, a specialised police unit in South Africa that investigates serious crimes, including fraud, organised crime, and cybercrime. Crime intelligence teams and MultiChoice also participated in the operation.
Investigators had been tracking the suspect since July 2025, as he was selling illegal streaming devices that allowed people to watch movies, TV shows, and live channels without paying for subscriptions.
The suspect was arrested under South Africa’s Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits hacking, stealing, or distributing digital content without permission. He appeared in the Soweto Magistrate’s Court, where the case was postponed as authorities continue to review the seized devices. Additional charges may be filed in the future.
Illegal streaming: risks for users and the industry
Illegal streaming impacts not only large corporations but also local creators and the entire entertainment industry. Tobias Maja, the senior Africa piracy manager at MultiChoice’s cybersecurity branch, Irdeto, stated, “Piracy robs legitimate broadcasters and creators of revenue, endangering jobs and stunting growth.”
The devices may pose risks to users. Many include software that can steal personal information or infect devices with viruses, which means users could be at risk of identity theft or other cyber threats.
Also read: Popular piracy platform My Family Cinema shuts down after global crackdown
For regular viewers, the raid serves as a reminder: using preloaded streaming boxes is illegal and may lead to consequences. For the industry, it highlights the importance of monitoring and combating piracy to protect both creators and paying subscribers.
The Johannesburg raid demonstrates that authorities and companies like MultiChoice are actively combating piracy and illegal streaming. By removing these illegal devices from circulation and apprehending the suspect, they aim to protect creators, paying subscribers, and the larger creative economy.
