Cape Town, South Africa – The Department of Home Affairs, together with the South African Police Service (SAPS), has detained Anabela Rungo, the mother of Miss South Africa 2024 contestant, Chidimma Adetshina, at a property in Cape Town.
According to a statement issued by the Department of Home Affairs on Saturday, Rungo’s South African documentation was revoked in September 2024 after authorities determined that it had been fraudulently obtained.
Despite her “undesirable” status, she allegedly continued residing in South Africa using a Mozambican passport.
Ongoing investigation into fraud allegations
Authorities are now investigating further potential misrepresentation and fraudulent conduct linked to Rungo’s residency.
“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 stated.
During the operation, investigators from Home Affairs’ Counter Corruption and Immigration Services branches discovered an underage child—believed to be Adetshina’s—living with Rungo.
Next steps: handover to SAPS and Child Protection measures
Following her detention, Rungo will be processed by Home Affairs before being handed over to SAPS. She is also the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
Home Affairs confirmed that it is coordinating with the Department of Social Development and SAPS Child Protection Unit to ensure the welfare of the underage child found at the residence.
From beauty queen to citizenship controversy
Adetshina’s citizenship came under scrutiny after her top-ten placement in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, with public debate arising over her nationality due to her surname. The model clarified that her father is Nigerian, while her mother is South African with Mozambican heritage. However, a Home Affairs investigation later revealed evidence pointing to potential identity fraud tied to her mother’s actions.
Following her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa competition, Adetshina accepted an invitation to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe, where she claimed the national crown.
Her journey culminated at the 2024 Miss Universe event, where she made history as the first runner-up globally while also securing the titles of Miss Universe Africa and Miss Universe Oceania.
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