South African authorities are moving to revoke the identity and travel documents of Chidimma Adetshina, the reigning Miss Universe Nigeria.
An official from the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Tommy Makhode informed South Africa’s parliamentary committee on Tuesday about the department’s plan to withdraw Chidimma’s identity documents.
Chidimma, who was born in Soweto at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in 2001, has faced scrutiny over her nationality.
The model, whose father is of Igbo descent and mother reportedly a naturalised South African of Mozambican origin, became the centre of controversy after entering this year’s Miss South Africa pageant.
Following intense criticism and questions about her citizenship, Chidimma withdrew from the pageant.
According to the DHA, preliminary evidence suggests that her mother may have committed fraud and identity theft, which has prompted further investigation.
The 23-year-old and her mother missed the deadline on Monday to provide justification for retaining their identity documents.
As a result, Makhode confirmed that the DHA intends to cancel the documents of both individuals.
The matter has been referred to the Hawks, South Africa’s elite police unit for serious crimes, which labelled the case as potential fraud.
Officials are awaiting direction from prosecutors on how to proceed.
Following the revelations in August, the DHA clarified that Chidimma, then an infant, could not have participated in any alleged unlawful acts by her mother.
Chidimma has not publicly commented on the latest developments, though she previously denied any involvement in identity theft.
Despite the controversy, Chidimma is currently in Mexico, where she is set to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition on November 16.
She will be competing alongside contestants from across the globe including Miss South Africa, Mia le Roux.
