Jailed for Snooping: Wife Faces Prison for Reading Husband’s WhatsApp Messages
In a case that has sparked heated debates, a young woman, Dumsile Dludlu, is set to serve up to three years in prison after being found guilty of breaching Swaziland’s strict Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act of 2022.
Dludlu was accused of unlawfully accessing her husband’s WhatsApp messages without his consent—a move that landed her in legal trouble under a law designed to protect individuals’ privacy in the digital age.
The Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act criminalizes any unauthorized access to a computer system or digital platform. Violations of this law carry harsh penalties, including fines of up to E500,000 (approximately R500,000) or imprisonment for up to five years.
Dludlu reportedly went through her husband, Samukeliso Matse’s, private WhatsApp conversations, prompting a domestic confrontation. During the altercation, Dludlu allegedly insulted her husband after uncovering messages that upset her.
“I did insult him, but it wasn’t as severe as what’s in the police statement,” Dludlu told the court, pleading not guilty to the charge of unauthorized access but admitting to the verbal altercation.
The case highlights the far-reaching consequences of the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act, a law aimed at curbing unauthorized access to digital information. Critics argue that the law, though necessary to protect privacy, may be disproportionately punitive in domestic or minor disputes like this one.
The ruling has sparked a conversation about digital privacy and the boundaries of personal relationships in the digital age. Some have expressed support for the husband’s decision to pursue legal action, while others question whether such matters should be handled in court.
A New Era of Privacy
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting digital privacy, even in close relationships. As more countries adopt stringent cybersecurity laws, individuals are urged to be mindful of accessing someone else’s digital devices or accounts without permission.
Dludlu’s sentencing is expected to set a precedent for similar cases under Swaziland’s new cybercrime law, drawing attention to the balance between protecting privacy and navigating the complexities of personal relationships.