adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
THE High Court ruling which bars couples from prying into each other’s cellphones without permission has sparked debate with some people saying it was tantamount to legalising promiscuity.
Harare High Court Judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi made a landmark ruling that there was no law providing for a husband or wife a right to infringe on the privacy of the other’s communication.
A survey conducted by The Chronicle yesterday revealed that most couples were against the judgement saying it promoted cheating.
In most cases women accuse their husbands of cheating that’s why they conduct surveillance on their cellphones.
But men have always shot back saying women are too nosey and should not poke their noses in their businesses.
Some men said wives had a right to inspect their cellphones.
Thembani Nsingo, 43, from Cowdray Park suburb said a marriage without trust was doomed.
“If someone is my wife why should I keep secrets from her? If I’m able to view her nakedness what should stop her from viewing my cellphone. The moment I fail to access her phone it means there’s something fishy and marriage is nothing without trust,” said Nsingo who said he was in possession of his wife’s phone.
He said the ruling promoted cheating in marriage.
“If I can’t access her phone it means we can’t share the same bed, which will end up causing divorce,” he said.
Another Bulawayo resident, Melusi Maphosa, 35, from Mpopoma suburb said he will continue accessing his wife’s phone.
“If we’re in marriage we’re bound by trust so the moment you refuse with your cellphone I become suspicious,” said Maphosa.
However, another man who declined to be named said his cellphone was a no-go area for his wife.
“It’s my cellphone why should she have access to it. If there’s something she doesn’t know she should ask me without going through my phone. I also don’t bother about her cellphone. It keeps the relationship very healthy,” he said.
Women said after being joined in Holy matrimony, husband and wife become one flesh so they should share everything including messages in their phones.
Online Reporter
derick.khumalo