The Department of Home Affairs has completed its investigation into former Miss South Africa finalist Chidimma Adetshina and her Mozambican-born mother, both of whom are now subject to fraud allegations.
Story Summary:
- Home Affairs has cancelled South African IDs and passports for Chidimma Adetshina and her mother amid fraud allegations.
- The investigation has moved to the Hawks, who are reviewing potential identity theft.
- Adetshina’s Miss Universe participation may be affected due to her citizenship status.
Chidimma Adetshina and mom investigated for fraud
The investigation findings were handed over to the Hawks following Home Affairs’ decision to cancel their South African identity and travel documents.
Home Affairs Director-General Tommy Makhode reported that Adetshina and her mother did not respond to the department’s request for representation on why their South African citizenship status should not be revoked.
Attempts to locate Adetshina’s mother have shown that she may have left the country despite no record of her travel; she was photographed supporting Adetshina at the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant in Nigeria, which Adetshina won.
Albert Matsaung, the acting Deputy Director-General for immigration, stated that there is no trace of Adetshina’s mother’s passport records, raising further concerns over her documentation.
What this means for Adetshina and her mom
With the cancellation of her South African ID and passport, Chidimma Adetshina faces uncertain implications for her eligibility to represent Nigeria in the 2024 Miss Universe pageant.
Her citizenship status is now in question, with officials examining whether she holds any legal citizenship in Nigeria or Mozambique.
Home Affairs legal advisor Phelelani Khumalo raised the possibility of Adetshina’s citizenship status being jeopardised, which could potentially leave her stateless if no alternative documentation is verified.
The investigation also involves Adetshina’s mother, who is suspected of using the identity of a Pretoria-born woman to obtain South African citizenship.
This alleged identity theft, first discovered by the affected woman in the 1990s, has led to further scrutiny of the Adetshina family’s legal documents.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs anti-corruption officials are continuing to investigate the involvement of two Home Affairs staff members, and a third official involved in the case has reportedly passed away.
