Anabela Rungo, mother of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania 2024, Chidimma Adetshina, has been detained by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs on allegations of identity fraud.
Rungo was apprehended on Saturday at a property in Cape Town, where she was found residing despite her South African documents being revoked in September 2024. The Department of Home Affairs had withdrawn her documentation after declaring that it was fraudulently obtained, rendering her ineligible to remain in the country.
The Department of Home Affairs, assisted by the South African Police Service (SAPS), confirmed the detention in a statement, noting that Rungo had reportedly defied her “undesirable” status by using her Mozambican passport.
“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 statement read.
The department is conducting further investigations into potential misrepresentation and fraud involving Rungo.
Immigration lawyer Ashraf Essop weighed in on Rungo’s detention, emphasising that individuals whose documents are declared invalid in South Africa are left with two options: leave the country voluntarily or face detention and deportation.
“Once your documentation is declared invalid, you either leave the country on your own or be detained and deported,” Essop explained.
The lawyer noted that the circumstances surrounding the invalidation of Rungo’s South African documentation in September 2024 remain unclear.
“Had Rungo voluntarily surrendered her documents, arrangements for her deportation could have been made,” Essop suggested, adding that such actions typically prevent detention and the associated legal repercussions.
Adding to the complexity of the case, Adetshina’s young child was discovered living with Rungo at the Cape Town property. Authorities are now working to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
Adetshina, who finalised her divorce in February 2024, reportedly had the child out of wedlock.
“The department is liaising with social development and the SAPS Child Protection Unit to safeguard the interests of the minor child,” said Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza.
Rungo has been handed over to the SAPS for further legal processing, and the case is now under investigation by the Hawks.
This incident follows months of controversy surrounding Chidimma Adetshina’s citizenship. The law student and beauty queen, who is of Nigerian and Mozambican descent, faced scrutiny last year over her nationality during her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant.
Adetshina withdrew from the Miss South Africa competition amid the allegations. She later represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe pageant, where she emerged as the first runner-up and was crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
Despite publicly stating she had no plans to return to South Africa, a viral video surfaced on Monday showing Adetshina at a Cape Town restaurant, Life Grand Café. Her presence has ignited public outrage, with calls for accountability.
A petition demanding the removal of Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has since gained traction, further fuelling the debate surrounding the handling of Rungo’s case and Adetshina’s ties to South Africa.
