A woman in Eswatini, Dumsile Dludlu, has been remanded for allegedly snooping through her husband Samukeliso Matse’s WhatsApp account without his consent.
This act contravenes Eswatini’s Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act of 2022, which criminalizes unauthorized access to computer systems.
Dludlu was remanded by Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi at the Mbabane Magistrates Court. Her trial will resume on March 10, 2025, and she faces up to three years in prison for the digital crime. Although she pleaded not guilty to the unauthorized access charge, Dludlu admitted to insulting her husband, claiming the insults were less severe than recorded in the police statement.
The Act aims to curtail unauthorized access to electronic devices and emphasizes respecting digital boundaries. Offenders can face fines up to E300,000 or imprisonment for up to three years. Prince Mvilawemphi, CEO of Eswatini Communications Commission, highlighted the importance of respecting one’s partner’s privacy.
In related cases, Nontsikelelo Gina was arrested for allegedly harassing a woman suspected of having an affair with her husband, and Hlengiwe Mathunjwa was arrested for undressing and filming a woman she accused of being involved with her child’s father.
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