News / National
Man shares cheating wife's 'nudes' on WhatsApp status
1 hr ago |
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A man from Bulawayo is alleged to have shared intimate videos and photographs of his wife on his WhatsApp status after reportedly obtaining material showing her in an affair with her manager at a well-known fast-food outlet.
The woman, who is married, is employed by a reputable fast-food chain where her alleged lover occupies a managerial position. The incident has since drawn legal scrutiny, with experts warning that the husband's actions may have crossed several legal lines.
Lawyers say that regardless of the circumstances surrounding the alleged affair, the act of sharing intimate images or videos without consent is a criminal offence under Zimbabwe's Cyber and Data Protection Act (Chapter 12:07). The law prohibits the sending, sharing or distribution of intimate content through mobile phones, social media platforms or any electronic means without the subject's consent.
The legislation is designed to protect personal privacy and dignity, even in cases that may provoke public outrage or emotional reactions. It defines intimate images or videos as content showing a person naked, exposing private body parts or engaging in sexual acts.
Legal experts note that the offence, commonly referred to as "revenge porn", applies regardless of how the material was obtained. A conviction carries a Level 10 fine of up to US$700, a prison sentence of up to five years, or both.
Lawyers have also cautioned that sharing such material on a WhatsApp status, family groups or even so-called "close friends" chats still constitutes distribution and may amount to a criminal offence.
Bulawayo-based lawyer Welshman Ncube said the wife could pursue multiple legal remedies against her husband. These include having him arrested, filing for divorce, suing for defamation of character and laying criminal charges for the unlawful sharing of intimate material.
Another lawyer, Matshobane Ncube, said the husband's legal troubles may have begun even earlier if he accessed his wife's phone without her permission. He explained that such conduct could violate Section 163A (1) (c) of the Cyber and Data Protection Act, which criminalises the unlawful access to a computer system.
That offence carries a stiffer penalty, with a fine of up to Level 14, equivalent to US$5,000, a prison sentence of up to five years, or both.
The case has reignited debate around digital privacy, marital disputes and the legal consequences of sharing private content online, underscoring that emotional distress does not exempt individuals from the law.
The woman, who is married, is employed by a reputable fast-food chain where her alleged lover occupies a managerial position. The incident has since drawn legal scrutiny, with experts warning that the husband's actions may have crossed several legal lines.
Lawyers say that regardless of the circumstances surrounding the alleged affair, the act of sharing intimate images or videos without consent is a criminal offence under Zimbabwe's Cyber and Data Protection Act (Chapter 12:07). The law prohibits the sending, sharing or distribution of intimate content through mobile phones, social media platforms or any electronic means without the subject's consent.
The legislation is designed to protect personal privacy and dignity, even in cases that may provoke public outrage or emotional reactions. It defines intimate images or videos as content showing a person naked, exposing private body parts or engaging in sexual acts.
Legal experts note that the offence, commonly referred to as "revenge porn", applies regardless of how the material was obtained. A conviction carries a Level 10 fine of up to US$700, a prison sentence of up to five years, or both.
Lawyers have also cautioned that sharing such material on a WhatsApp status, family groups or even so-called "close friends" chats still constitutes distribution and may amount to a criminal offence.
Bulawayo-based lawyer Welshman Ncube said the wife could pursue multiple legal remedies against her husband. These include having him arrested, filing for divorce, suing for defamation of character and laying criminal charges for the unlawful sharing of intimate material.
Another lawyer, Matshobane Ncube, said the husband's legal troubles may have begun even earlier if he accessed his wife's phone without her permission. He explained that such conduct could violate Section 163A (1) (c) of the Cyber and Data Protection Act, which criminalises the unlawful access to a computer system.
That offence carries a stiffer penalty, with a fine of up to Level 14, equivalent to US$5,000, a prison sentence of up to five years, or both.
The case has reignited debate around digital privacy, marital disputes and the legal consequences of sharing private content online, underscoring that emotional distress does not exempt individuals from the law.
Source - BMetro
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