A woman in Eswatini, Dumsile Dludlu, faces up to three years in prison after she was remanded for allegedly snooping into her husband's WhatsApp account without his consent.
The Act, which contravenes the Eswatini Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act 2022, was condemned by Chief Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi in the Mbabane Magistrates Court.
Dludlu pleaded not guilty to the charge of unauthorized access, but admitted insulting her husband. She testified in court: “I swore at him, but it wasn't as harsh as what's in the police statement.”
The police statement had described his insults as more severe than Dludlu acknowledged.
Dludlu's trial will resume on March 10, 2025.
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The Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act criminalizes unauthorized access to digital devices, with offenders facing fines or imprisonment of up to three years.
The Law aims to protect people's digital privacy and prevent unauthorized intrusions into personal communication.
Meanwhile, Eswatini Communications Commission CEO Prince Mvilawemphi warned that accessing a partner's cell phone is now considered a criminal offense in the country, with fines reaching up to E300,000.
Nigerian Tribune