By Dansu Peter In a case igniting widespread debate in eSwatini, Dumsile Dludlu could face up to three years in prison for allegedly access...
By Dansu Peter
Dludlu is accused of unlawfully accessing her husband Samukeliso Matse’s WhatsApp account, an action punishable under the Act, which carries penalties of up to E500,000 (approximately R500,000) in fines or five years in prison.
Appearing before Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi at the Mbabane Magistrates Court, Dludlu pleaded not guilty to unauthorized access but admitted to insulting her husband after viewing the messages. “I did insult him, but it wasn’t as severe as described in the police statement,” she told the court.
The court granted Dludlu bail, with her trial set for March 10, 2025.
The case has sparked discussions across the country about privacy in personal relationships and the growing legal consequences of digital disputes. Critics argue the law disproportionately impacts women, who are often at the center of domestic conflicts involving technology.
Prince Mvilawemphi, CEO of the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), highlighted the seriousness of the law, stating, “Accessing a partner’s cellphone without consent is now a crime in eSwatini. The maximum fine is E300,000, but a lenient judge may impose a E5,000 fine.”
Dludlu’s case follows several other incidents underscoring the tension between technology and personal relationships in eSwatini.
- Social Media Harassment: Nontsikelelo Lebohang Gina was charged for using Facebook to accuse another woman of using traditional charms to break up her marriage.
- Revenge Attack: In another case, a woman was arrested for allegedly undressing and recording another woman in a dispute over infidelity.
The Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act of 2022 stipulates that anyone who gains unauthorized access to, alters, or destroys computer data could face a fine of up to E5,000 or three years in prison.
As the trial approaches, Dludlu’s case is being closely watched as a test of the law’s reach and its impact on personal relationships. Legal experts warn that such cases highlight the need for greater public awareness about digital rights and responsibilities.
For now, Dludlu’s legal battle serves as a cautionary tale in the increasingly complex intersection of technology, privacy, and personal relationships in eSwatini.
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