MultiChoice has run a four-day anti-piracy training and enforcement operation in Malawi, the first stage of a long-term initiative to combat piracy and protect the creative economy in the South East Africa country.
21 participants, including officers from the Malawi Police Service, prosecutors, and representatives from the Ministry of Justice, were involved in the event, which covered topics including types of piracy, enforcement techniques, legal frameworks, and the growing threat of internet streaming piracy.
A seminar held on 21 May 2025 was followed by a successful enforcement operation was carried out in Lilongwe, Malawi’a capital city.
Acting on intelligence and strategies discussed during the training, the Malawi Police Service, with support from COSOMA, raided an illegal internet streaming operation. Two suspects were arrested, and several hundred pieces of pirate streaming equipment were seized.
Frikkie Jonker, MultiChoice Group Africa Anti-Piracy Director, said: “This raid is a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships and dedicated training. We are proud of the collaboration with the Malawi Police Service and COSOMA and commend them for their swift action and commitment to enforcement. This is the first of many efforts to come in Malawi, and we look forward to supporting more initiatives that strengthen content protection and uphold the rule of law.”
Under Malawi law anyone with devices capable of infringing copyright law faces to a fine of MWK 10,000,000 (€5,000) and imprisonment for four years. The fine can be increased by MWK 50,000 for each day during which the offence continues.
