by Thinus Ferreira
Damian Grundlingh in Nelson Mandela Bay, who allegedly resold MultiChoice's DStv for R160 to pirate viewers, has had R6.2 million frozen by the Eastern Cape High Court over his alleged massive video pirate streaming operation he ran.
Damian Grundlingh from Despatch is now under investigation by the National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) for alleged violations of the Cybercrimes Act as well as the Copyright Act.
Damian Grundlingh is accused of running an illegal live-streaming service, using MultiChoice's DStv content and channels, since at least October 2024, and illegally accessing and redistributing the pay-TV operator's content without authorisation.
Damian Grundlingh allegedly resold DStv for as little as a R160 monthly subscription fee to pirate viewers.
Between January 2025 and April 2026, investigators found 104 667 transactions between Damian Grundlingh and his pirate base of illegal DStv viewers.
Damian Grundlingh has not yet been arrested or charged in the criminal investigation that is ongoing.
The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) asked the court to preserve and forfeit property it believes is the proceeds of unlawful activities. Damian Grundlingh didn't oppose the order, which was granted under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
Advocate Samkelo Mtwana, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, says "The forfeiture of these funds demonstrates that the NPA will not only pursue those suspected of engaging in unlawful activities but will also target the proceeds generated from such conduct".
"The alleged large-scale piracy operation highlights the significant financial impact that cyber-enabled and intellectual property-related offences can have."
"Through the AFU, we will continue to use every lawful means available to deprive suspected offenders of the benefits of their unlawful activities."
The case is the result of MultiChoice investigators, the NPA's Specialised Commercial Crime Unit, the Hawks, and the Financial Intelligence Centre.
