South Africa’s Home Affairs Detains Chidimma Adetshina’s Mother in Cape Town

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – The South African Department of Home Affairs, with assistance from the South African Police Service (SAPS), has detained Anabela Rungo, the mother of Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa contestant and Miss Universe Nigeria titleholder.

Authorities arrested Rungo on February 15, 2025, at a property in Cape Town. She had been under investigation after Home Affairs revoked her South African documentation in September 2024, ruling that she had obtained it fraudulently. Despite this, officials say she continued living in the country using a Mozambican passport.

Immigration Violation and Fraud Allegations

According to Home Affairs, Rungo’s continued presence in South Africa was a violation of immigration law. The department classified her as “undesirable”, stating that she defied legal orders to leave.

Officials also discovered Adetshina’s underage child at the residence, prompting further involvement from the Department of Social Development and SAPS Child Protection Unit. Authorities are investigating whether additional fraudulent activity took place.

Immigration lawyer Ashraf Essop said that when authorities revoke a person’s documentation, they must either leave the country voluntarily or face detention and deportation. Officials have transferred Rungo to SAPS custody, where investigators are examining potential further misrepresentation and fraud.

How Chidimma Adetshina’s Rising Fame Led to Her Mother’s Immigration Scandal

This all began when Chidimma Adetshina’s rising public profile as Miss Universe Nigeria and a former Miss South Africa contestant drew scrutiny to her family background. As media attention on Chidimma grew, authorities investigated her mother, Anabela Rungo, and discovered that she had fraudulently obtained South African documentation.

In September 2024, the Department of Home Affairs revoked Rungo’s citizenship, ruling that she could no longer stay in the country. However, instead of leaving, Rungo remained in South Africa using her Mozambican passport, which led to her arrest in Cape Town on February 15, 2025. The connection to Chidimma intensified media coverage, sparking debates about immigration fraud, South African citizenship laws, and how this controversy might affect Chidimma’s career.

Public Reaction and Next Steps

The case has sparked questions about how South Africa enforces immigration laws and handles fraudulent documentation. Officials say more updates will follow as the investigation continues.

Neither Chidimma Adetshina nor her representatives have commented on the situation.

Home Affairs has stated that no interviews will be granted at this time.