The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have arrested eleven people and confiscated numerous OVHD decoders in the process. The people were part of a TV-decoder smuggling ring.
Many people in Zimbabwe rely on Open View decoders for good content. They buy it once and they do not pay any subscription to keep it connected. This contravenes customs, trademark and copyright laws.
Raids and seizures are set to continue across the SADC region as they clamp down on content piracy. The Open View decoders air shows made by the SABC and eMedia in South Africa. The content made on the shows is intended for South African viewers and anyone else from outside South Africa that uses them is committing a crime.
The COO of Openview parent company eMedia Antonio Lee has applauded the ZRP saying that Zimbabweans should support local content and stop buying South African decoders. He said that anyone that purchases the Open View decoder in Zimbabwe is robbing the country of customs duty.
Further raids and investigations can be expected as 1094 records of Open View serial numbers were also confiscated during the raids. Lee also said that having the decoder in your home means you can also be arrested at any time as it is considered a serious offence.
Lee also said smuggled decoders will be disconnected from now on and people stand to run a loss if they buy illegal decoders and they are disconnected because of the criminal act.