Law enforcement authorities in South Africa have detained Anabela Rungo, the mother of beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina, over allegations of fraudulent documentation.
In an official statement, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed this development after it investigated here, with the assistance of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
They apprehended Rungo in Cape Town on Saturday morning.
According to Home Affairs, Rungo’s South African documentation was revoked in September 2024.
The agency said her documentation was discovered to have been fraudulently obtained.
Consequently, she was deemed ineligible to remain in the country.
Violation of Immigration Laws
The Department stated: “In a brazen act of disregard for the legal consequences of her actions, it appears that Ms Rungo has defied her ‘undesirable’ status by utilising her Mozambican passport.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine whether further misrepresentations or fraudulent activities have been committed.
Child Protection Concerns
Further complicating the case, Adetshina’s young child was found residing with Rungo at the Cape Town property.
Also, this prompted intervention from the Department of Social Development.
“The department is liaising with social development and the SAPS Child Protection Unit to safeguard the interests of the minor child,” said Thabo Qoza, a spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs.
Rungo is set to be handed over to SAPS for further legal proceedings and remains under investigation by the Hawks.
Citizenship Controversy
The controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina’s nationality first surfaced during her participation in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, when questions arose about her heritage due to her name and maternal background.
Adetshina, whose father is Nigerian and whose mother is South African of Mozambican descent, had initially clarified her dual heritage.
However, the Department of Home Affairs’ investigation into her mother’s alleged identity fraud led to increased scrutiny.
As a result of the controversy, Chidimma Adetshina withdrew from Miss South Africa 2024 but later competed in Miss Universe Nigeria, where she was crowned winner.
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She went on to achieve global recognition.
Also, Chidimma Adetshina secured the title of first runner-up in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, while also earning the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
