South African Cyber Law
Electronic Harassment
South Africa's Protection from Harassment Act expressly recognises electronic communication within its harassment framework.
What counts as electronic communication?
The Act’s definitions cover electronic forms of communication and identify electronic communications identities such as telephone or cellular numbers, email addresses and web addresses.
This means harassment does not have to happen face-to-face to fall within the Act’s framework.
Examples of conduct to document
Repeated unwanted messages or calls can be relevant depending on the circumstances.
Harassing emails, social-media messages and other electronic communication can also form part of the evidence placed before a court.
The legal assessment depends on the actual conduct and the requirements of the Act. A single unpleasant message does not automatically establish harassment.
Online harassment can involve multiple laws
Some online conduct may also constitute an offence under the Cybercrimes Act or fall within another legal framework.
For that reason, the existence of electronic communication should not be treated as determining the legal classification by itself.
Preserve the record
Keep screenshots together with dates, times and account information.
Where possible, preserve original emails, exported conversations and platform records rather than relying on cropped screenshots alone.
Do not attempt to break into an account or device to obtain additional evidence.
Official source
Read the official legislation from the South African government:
Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011 — South African Department of JusticeImportant
Cyber Conduct provides general educational information, not legal advice. South African legislation can change, and the application of the law depends on the facts of each situation. For a specific legal matter, consider obtaining advice from a qualified legal professional or the relevant authority.