Mother of Chidimma Adetshina, The Miss Universe Nigeria Arrested in South Africa Over Alleged Identity Fraud and Immigration Violations
Cape Town, South Africa – The South African Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), has arrested Anabela Rungo, the mother of the beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina, over allegations of identity fraud.
Rungo was detained on Saturday morning in Cape Town after Home Affairs revoked her South African documentation in September 2024 upon discovering that it had been fraudulently obtained. This nullified her legal residency in the country. Despite this, she reportedly re-entered South Africa using a Mozambican passport.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Ramifications
“In an apparent act of brazen disregard for the legal consequences of her conduct, it appears that Ms. Rungo has defied her ‘undesirable’ status through her Mozambican passport,”
the Department of Home Affairs stated.
Authorities are now investigating possible further instances of misrepresentation and fraud. Rungo will remain in police custody as the SAPS and the Hawks—South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation—continue probing the case.
Child Welfare Concerns
Adding another layer to the controversy, officials discovered a young child living with Rungo at her Cape Town residence. The Department of Home Affairs, in coordination with the SAPS Child Protection Unit and the Department of Social Development, has since taken steps to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
“The department is liaising with social development and the SAPS Child Protection Unit to safeguard the interests of the minor child,”
Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza confirmed.
Chidimma Adetshina’s Rise to Stardom Amidst Family Controversy
Chidimma Adetshina, 24, gained public attention when she competed in the Miss South Africa pageant last year. However, her participation sparked controversy after questions arose regarding her citizenship due to her name and maternal heritage. Adetshina, whose father is Nigerian and whose mother is of Mozambican descent, asserted that she was legally eligible for the pageant.
The investigation into Rungo’s identity fraud, however, brought renewed scrutiny to Adetshina’s nationality. Following the revelations, she withdrew from Miss South Africa but later entered and won the Miss Universe Nigeria title. In a remarkable turn of events, she went on to secure the first runner-up position at the 2024 Miss Universe competition, earning the prestigious title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
Despite the legal challenges surrounding her family, Adetshina remains a celebrated figure in the pageant world, using her platform to advocate for women’s empowerment and education across Africa.
Legal Proceedings to Follow
Rungo is expected to face legal proceedings in South Africa, with potential deportation looming as authorities dig deeper into her immigration status. Meanwhile, Adetshina has yet to publicly comment on her mother’s arrest.
Stay tuned for updates on this story.
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