Wife Risks Jail for Secretly Accessing Husband's WhatsApp Chats– A Case That Sparks Debate

In a headline-grabbing case from eSwatini, a woman named Dumsile Dludlu is facing up to three years in prison for allegedly accessing her husband’s WhatsApp messages without his consent. This controversial case has ignited widespread debate about privacy, relationships, and the legal boundaries of personal digital spaces.

Dludlu has been charged under eSwatini’s strict Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act of 2022, which criminalizes unauthorized access to any computer system or data. The law carries hefty penalties, including fines of up to E500,000 (approximately R500,000) or up to five years of imprisonment.

The Case So Far

Appearing before the Mbabane Magistrates Court, Dludlu pleaded not guilty to unauthorized access but admitted to insulting her husband, Samukeliso Matse, after reading his private messages. “I did insult him, but it wasn’t as severe as what’s in the police statement,” she clarified. Despite the plea, her actions have placed her at the center of growing concerns about the intersection of technology, privacy, and personal relationships.

Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi granted Dludlu bail, with her trial set for March 10.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t the first time eSwatini’s digital law has made headlines. The Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act, introduced to regulate online behavior, is increasingly being applied to domestic disputes.

Other recent cases include:

• Nontsikelelo Lebohang Gina, who was arrested for posting accusations against another woman in a Facebook group, claiming the woman used traditional charms to ruin her marriage.
• Another woman who faced arrest after allegedly undressing and recording a rival in a revenge plot over a relationship dispute.

Digital Privacy Becomes a Legal Minefield

Section 3 of the Act specifically targets unauthorized access to computer data, with penalties ranging from E5,000 fines to imprisonment. Prince Mvilawemphi, CEO of the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), highlighted the law’s implications, cautioning citizens that even viewing a partner’s phone without permission could result in severe legal consequences.

“Viewing your love partner’s cellphone is now a crime in eSwatini,” Mvilawemphi stated. “The maximum fine is E300,000, though a lenient judge may impose a smaller penalty.”

A Cautionary Tale

As Dludlu’s trial approaches, the case serves as a powerful reminder of how personal relationships and digital actions are increasingly subject to legal scrutiny. For many, it raises critical questions about trust, transparency, and the limits of privacy within a marriage in the digital age.

Stay tuned as this case develops, shedding more light on the evolving balance between love, technology, and the law.