Home Affairs to Revoke Identities of Former Miss SA Contestant Chidimma Adetshina and Her Mother Amid Fraud Probe

The Department of Home Affairs is set to revoke the South African identities and travel documents of former Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina and her mother, Anabela Rungo, amid allegations of fraud. The department’s investigation has been completed and forwarded to the Hawks, the elite crime-fighting unit, for further action.

The scandal emerged after questions surrounding Adetshina’s nationality and heritage came to light during her stint as a finalist in the Miss South Africa pageant. It was revealed that her mother, Anabela Rungo, is a Mozambican national, prompting an investigation by Home Affairs.

Speaking at a portfolio committee briefing in Parliament on Tuesday, Albert Matsaung, the acting Deputy Director-General for Immigration, disclosed the findings of the investigation. According to Matsaung, officials conducted an inquiry at a residence registered under Adetshina’s name in an attempt to locate her mother. Rungo, they believe, remains in South Africa despite recent conflicting reports.

A major point of contention in the case has been Rungo’s apparent ability to travel to Nigeria last month, where she was photographed supporting her daughter at the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant. The photographs, shared on social media, show Rungo’s presence at the pageant, raising questions about how she exited South Africa during an ongoing investigation. Adetshina claimed victory at the pageant, securing her place to represent Nigeria.

Adding to the complications, Home Affairs has been unable to trace the passport Rungo allegedly used to travel between South Africa, Malawi, and Nigeria. This lack of documentation and clarity has deepened suspicions of fraudulent activities.

In parallel, Adetshina’s activities have also drawn significant attention. According to her recent social media posts, she has left the United States and is now en route to Mexico to participate in the upcoming Miss Universe contest. Despite the ongoing investigation and potential fraud charges, Adetshina remains active in the global pageant circuit.

Home Affairs’ intensified scrutiny follows a period of heightened concerns over nationality documentation in South Africa. The department has yet to address questions about Adetshina’s Nigerian-born father, whose role in the ongoing nationality debate remains largely unexplored.

The portfolio committee has indicated that it will continue monitoring developments in this case closely, as the Hawks prepare to launch a formal investigation. Should charges be brought against Adetshina and her mother, this could result in a major scandal for the pageant world and South Africa’s immigration systems.

With a high-profile Miss Universe contest on the horizon, Adetshina’s future remains uncertain as the fallout from this investigation continues to unfold.