CurrentReport Blog The South African Government has announced the arrest of Anabela Rungo, the mother of Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, over allegations of fraudulently obtaining a South African identity document.
Rungo Arrested in Cape Town for Identity Fraud
According to a statement issued on Saturday, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that Rungo, a Mozambican national, was apprehended during a joint operation between Home Affairs investigators and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“Investigators from the department, assisted by SAPS, detained Anabela Rungo at a property in Cape Town,”said Siya Qoza, spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs.
He further disclosed that Rungo had been declared persona non grata in September 2024, after officials uncovered irregularities in her residency status.
“The Department withdrew Rungo’s South African documentation in September 2024 after finding that it had been fraudulently obtained, rendering her ineligible to continue residing in South Africa,” Qoza added.
Controversy Surrounding Miss Universe Nigeria’s Nationality
The arrest follows months of controversy surrounding Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, who withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant due to allegations of identity theft against her mother.
Adetshina, who was initially a contestant in the prestigious Miss South Africa beauty pageant, faced intense scrutiny over her nationality. The discovery of her mother’s fraudulent residency documents cast doubt on her own eligibility to compete.
Following the revelations, Adetshina voluntarily stepped down, citing mental and emotional distress caused by the accusations.
South Africa’s Crackdown on Identity Fraud
The South African government has been intensifying efforts to combat fraudulent immigration practices, particularly cases involving foreign nationals obtaining illegal residency documents.
This latest arrest highlights South Africa’s commitment to tightening immigration regulations and addressing cases of fraudulent documentation.
“We will continue to take strong action against individuals who attempt to undermine our immigration laws by fraudulently obtaining South African documentation,” Home Affairs officials reiterated in their statement.
What’s Next for Anabela Rungo?
Following her arrest, Rungo is expected to face legal proceedings in South Africa. If convicted, she could face deportation to Mozambique or possible imprisonment for identity fraud.
Meanwhile, Chidimma Adetshina has remained silent on her mother’s arrest, with sources close to her revealing that she is focusing on her career and personal well-being.
The arrest of Anabela Rungo raises significant questions about fraudulent identity documentation in South Africa and its impact on high-profile individuals.
With South African authorities intensifying their crackdown on identity fraud, this case could serve as a warning to others engaging in similar illegal activities.
