MultiChoice Zambia says free-to-air decoders installed with manipulated software are illegally accessing the DStv pay channels signal in the country.

MultiChoice Zambia public relations manager, Mwika Malindima, said police are investigating the matter.

Malindima added that the company is losing thousands of Kwacha over the illegal connections.

“The police have unearthed a scam in which some people are allegedly selling free-to-air decoders installed with manipulated software to illegally access DStv signal,” said Malindima.

“I cannot right now say how much money we have lost because we are still accessing the extent of the damage to our business and indeed tax revenue for the government,” Malindima said.

Malindima further said that police have moved to the Copperbelt where illegal access to the DStv signal is reportedly rampant.

Meanwhile, MultiChoice has experienced illegal viewing problems in neighbouring Zimbabwe as well.

In March this year, ITWeb Africa reported that MultiChoice had issued “warnings” to Zimbabweans who illegally buy South African DStv packages to watch channels not available in Zimbabwe.