On Thursday Copyright Society Of Malawi(Cosoma) inspectors had a mini-operation in areas 36,22,23, Kaphiri, 6miles and Chilinde in Lilongwe district where they seized over 70 computers and other gadgets in their bid to curb the growing behaviors of piracy.
Speaking on the development, Cosoma Licensing Manager Mathy Mukhondia, vowed not to bow down, saying it’s high time artists harvested much from the sweat and fruits of their labour, having complained for a long time that they are not protected and supported.
“This is why we resorted to having Police Officers seconded to our offices in order to help in enforcing the Copyright law. We are moving in the right direction. Let me categorically make it clear that all seized equipment shall not be returned to the owners until they pay and have a Cosoma license in relation to their business. Honeymoon is over,” Mukhondia said.
Similar operations are expected to be carried out across the country.
Piracy is a crime according to the Copyright Act (2016), offenses of duplicating, reproducing, being found in possession, offering for sale and distribution of these pirated materials attract a maximum penalty of five (5) Million Kwacha and 2 years imprisonment with hard labour.
Sapulain Chitonde Lee, a Citizen Journalist also contributed to this report.
