..…Its Director Nthakoma arrested and released on bail
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Police Service (MPS) on Monday, August 14, 2023 arrested Impression Media Limited Managing Director Patridge Nthakomwa for illegal broadcasting and the offices were sealed.
Nthakomwa however has been released on bail and will appear in court soon.
This follows a warrant of arrest for managers of Impression Media IPTV Limited following a complaint from Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) that the company has been providing television services illegally.
Impression Media IPTV Limited has been advertising its services online, saying it offers content services.
According to the adverts, customers can buy a smart box, pay a subscription fee to Impression Media and buy internet bundle, allowing them to access over 1000 local and international television channels.
The company has been advertising its services rigorously following the closure of DStv services in Malawi.
MACRA in its application for warrant of arrest argues that the company has been operating illegally since it does not have a licence issued by MACRA and under the Communications Act, this is a crime which attracts imprisonment for five years.
Dated August 14, 2023, the LIlongwe Magistrate’s Court warrant orders the closure and search of the company’s offices located at Are 9 in Lilongwe.
It also orders police to arrest officers of the company wherever they are found.
Responding to the warrant on Twitter, the company said:” We have taken note of the court order circulating on the social media forums! The company will soon release an Official Statement on the matter.”
Meanwhile, MACRA is reminding the public that broadcasting without a license is illegal under the Communications Act. Section 187 of the Communications Act Cap 68:01 of the Laws of Malawi states that the public cannot broadcast without a licence.