The mother of controversial Miss Nigeria titleholder Chidimma Adetshina has been detained by the Department of Home Affairs in Cape Town following an investigation into fraudulent documentation, Cape {town} Etc reports.
According to department spokesperson Siya Qoza, Home Affairs officials, assisted by the South African Police Service (SAPS), apprehended Anabela Rungo on Saturday morning.
‘Our investigators, working alongside SAPS, detained Anabela Rungo at a Cape Town property this morning,’ Qoza confirmed.
Authorities had revoked Rungo’s South African identity documents in September 2024 after uncovering that they were fraudulently obtained. Despite her documentation being rescinded, she reportedly continued residing in South Africa using a Mozambican passport, in direct violation of immigration laws.
‘This act demonstrates blatant disregard for legal consequences, and we are continuing our investigation into possible further fraudulent activities,’ Qoza added.
During the raid, officials also found Adetshina’s minor child living with Rungo. Home Affairs is now working with the Department of Social Development and SAPS Child Protection Unit to ensure the child’s welfare is protected.
Once Rungo is processed for her unlawful stay, she will be transferred into SAPS custody, as she is also under investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
This development follows public outcry after Adetshina was spotted in Cape Town earlier this week, despite her South African citizenship and travel documents being revoked. A viral social media video captured her dining at a local restaurant, prompting questions about how she re-entered the country.
The controversy surrounding Adetshina dates back to her Miss South Africa pageant entry, where online debates arose about her nationality. Subsequent Home Affairs investigations revealed that her mother, a Mozambican national, had used stolen identity details when applying for a South African ID in 1995. This fraudulent identity was then used to obtain South African documents for Adetshina.
As a result, Home Affairs declared Rungo an ‘undesirable person’ and barred her from entering South Africa. Her detention now forms part of a broader investigation into fraudulent immigration practices.
‘The department will provide further updates as the situation unfolds,’ Qoza said.
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Picture: Miss Universe / Instagram
