Swati woman, Dumisile Dludlu, appeared in a local court in Mbabane after being arrested for allegedly viewing her husband’s WhatsApp messages without his consent.
The case underscores the growing influence of Eswatini’s Computer Crime and Cyber Crime Act in addressing privacy concerns in the digital age.
According to the Times of Eswatini, Dludlu was charged under the Act, which explicitly prohibits unauthorized access to another person’s electronic devices. The legislation, enacted to safeguard digital privacy, classifies such acts as an invasion of privacy.
If found guilty, Dludlu could face severe penalties, including a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine of up to R300,000 (E300,000).
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Eswatini’s Computer Crime and Cyber Crime Act aims to tackle cybercrimes in a rapidly digitalizing society. One of its key provisions is the protection of individuals’ private data and electronic communications. The case against Dludlu represents one of the first instances where this law has been applied to a domestic setting, potentially setting a legal precedent for similar cases in the future.
Dludlu’s case could set a legal precedent that influences how similar cases are handled in Eswatini and beyond. It may also serve as a cautionary tale for individuals who might consider accessing another person’s electronic devices without permission, regardless of the nature of their relationship.
