Penguin Random House threatens those who share PDF versions of Gangster State with legal action
SANDTON – Prominent figures have asked for the PDF copy of the book to be shared online.
Penguin Random House has vowed to pursue those who distribute illegal PDF copies of Pieter Louis Myburgh’s book Gangster State.
The book has received widespread attention following the disruption of the book launch in Sandton. The book reveals alleged corruption by the African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Ace Magashule.
In a statement by Penguin Random House, it said,
“We are appalled by the ongoing illegal distribution of a pirated PDF of Gangster State which is widely being disseminated on social media. It is of even more concern that prominent individuals appear to encourage this unlawful activity.
“We wish to make clear to the public that the only way to obtain an ebook legally is to buy it from an ebook retailer or to borrow it from an authorised ebook library. Any copying or distribution of a pirated ebook, or any forwarding of a link to the pirated ebook, is unlawful. We will take legal action against individuals who are circulating pirated copies, which may include criminal complaints once we have collected all the necessary information.”
The statement was prompted when the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters Julius Malema asked for a copy to be shared with him on Twitter.
I'm looking to read the #GangsterState book. But I won't buy it for the same reason I don't buy newspapers. Puff & pass toe. I'll take the electronic version too. DM me if you're willing to share.
— JudgeJohnDeed (@vngalwana) April 23, 2019
Please share SC if you get the electronic version.
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) April 23, 2019
Pieter-Louis Myburgh said, “There is clear copyright legislation in place that should protect authors from piracy. It is astonishing that a senior political leader and a top legal professional are amongst those who seem to encourage the sharing of illegal copies of Gangster State on a public platform like Twitter.”
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