Bulawayo Man in Legal Trouble After Sharing Wife’s Intimate Images Online

A Bulawayo man is facing possible legal action after allegedly posting intimate videos and photographs of his wife on his WhatsApp status, following claims that she was involved in an extramarital affair with her manager at a well-known fast-food outlet.

The woman, who is married, works for a reputable fast-food chain where the alleged lover holds a managerial position. The matter has attracted legal attention, with experts warning that the husband’s actions may have violated several provisions of the law.

Legal practitioners have emphasised that, regardless of the alleged infidelity, sharing intimate images or videos without consent constitutes a criminal offence under Zimbabwe’s Cyber and Data Protection Act (Chapter 12:07). The law expressly prohibits the distribution of intimate material through mobile phones, social media platforms or any electronic means without the subject’s consent.

The legislation seeks to safeguard personal privacy and dignity, even in emotionally charged situations. It defines intimate images or videos as content depicting a person naked, exposing private body parts, or engaging in sexual acts.

Commonly referred to as “revenge porn,” the offence applies irrespective of how the material was obtained. Upon conviction, an offender may face a Level 10 fine of up to US$700, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

Lawyers have further warned that posting such material on a WhatsApp status, family groups, or “close friends” chats still amounts to distribution and may attract criminal liability.

Bulawayo-based lawyer Welshman Ncube said the wife has several legal options available. These include seeking the husband’s arrest, filing for divorce, suing for defamation of character, and laying criminal charges for the unlawful sharing of intimate material.

Another legal practitioner, Matshobane Ncube, noted that the husband’s legal problems may have started earlier if he accessed his wife’s phone without her consent. He explained that such conduct could violate Section 163A (1)(c) of the Cyber and Data Protection Act, which criminalises unlawful access to a computer system.

That offence carries a heavier penalty, including a Level 14 fine of up to US$5,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

The case has reignited debate on digital privacy, marital disputes, and the legal consequences of sharing private content online, reinforcing the principle that emotional distress does not excuse unlawful conduct.