MultiChoice fights piracy, welcomes conviction of Jordan Mott

MultiChoice has welcomed the Bellville Specialised Commercial Court’s conviction and sentencing of Jordan Mott on charges of copyright infringement.

Mott was arrested in October 2020 for selling Android TV boxes that gave buyers access to premium copyright-protected content, including DStv content.

In a statement, the broadcasting company confirms that Mott was charged with seven counts of contravening Section 45 of the Regulation of Interception of Communication and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act.

‘Guilty’

“He was subsequently found guilty of all seven counts and sentenced to seven years imprisonment, which is wholly suspended for a period of five years on condition that the accused is not convicted again for contravening the provisions of Section 45 of Act 70 of 2002 committed during the period of suspension.”

MultiChoice further notes that a conviction order was ordered in terms of Section 18 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca).

Mott was also ordered to pay R60 000 into the Criminal Asset Recovery Account, it adds.

Collen Dlamini, MultiChoice group executive for corporate affairs, says that while the conviction is a significant moment in the fight against piracy it must be noted that it is only a snapshot of the true nature of piracy.

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“Although the decision by the court is welcomed, there is more that needs to be done in terms of minimising the negative impact of piracy on content creation and the economy. It is important that we work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of piracy face the might of the law.

“As we intensify our efforts to fight piracy, I hope more convictions will follow.”

The company says it has “thrown its weight” behind Partners Against Piracy to fight content piracy.

“As piracy and cybercrimes rapidly increase, it is important for us to remain vigilant and agile and ensure that perpetrators of digital crimes are brought to book,” says Dlamini.

“The conviction of the accused should be a warning to other perpetrators who are driving this illegal economy,” he adds.

“Illegally sharing content leads to severe revenue losses, and cripple’s economies, which means reduced investment and job losses affecting economic development.”

Nondumiso Lehutso is a Moneyweb intern.