Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
For allegedly running an illegal operation to connect clients to DStv channels without proper authorisation saw Bushby Geoffrey Charles (64) of Avondale being brought before Harare magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo facing charges of forgery of a registered trademark and related offences.
He was granted US$150 bail and remanded to May 29 pending finalisation of investigations.
Prosecutor Mr Takudzwa Jambawu alleged that between February and Monday this week, Charles advertised his services in WhatsApp groups, offering clients access to all DStv channels for a one-time payment of US$300 a year.
To facilitate the illegal connections, Charles allegedly used a XIAOMI TV Box S to create login credentials and connect to DStv’s server. After the initial connection, clients would make yearly payments directly to Charles, bypassing DStv Multichoice’s legitimate subscription services.
Charles allegedly misrepresented himself as a DStv Multichoice-accredited agent, despite having no affiliation with the company.
The court was told that Charles used an advertising agent, Bambazonke, to promote his illegal services. DStv Multichoice Zimbabwe’s anti-piracy manager Mr Parcion Matikiti set a trap for Charles by posing as a client.
Charles reportedly visited his house, where he connected a XIAOMI TV Box S and activated all DStv channels. Upon completing the setup, police arrested him at the scene.
Two XIAOMI TV Box S devices were recovered at the time of the arrest.
A subsequent search of Charles’ residence at 89 King George Road led to the seizure of 32 additional XIAOMI TV Box S devices, a laptop and a cellphone allegedly used in the illegal operation.
All items were seized as evidence.
