The South African government has arrested Anabela Rungo, mother of Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidinma Adetshina, over allegations of fraudulently obtaining a South African identity document.
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday, revealing that Rungo, a Mozambican national, was apprehended at a hideout in Cape Town during a joint operation by Home Affairs investigators and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Siya Qoza, the department’s spokesperson, disclosed that Rungo had been declared persona non grata in September 2024 after an official probe uncovered irregularities in her residency status.
“Investigators from the department, assisted by SAPS, detained Anabela Rungo at a property in Cape Town. The Department withdrew Rungo’s South African documentation in September 2024 after discovering it had been fraudulently obtained, rendering her ineligible to continue residing in South Africa,” Qoza stated.
This latest development follows the controversy surrounding Chidinma Adetshina’s nationality, which led to her withdrawal from the Miss South Africa pageant last year. Critics had raised concerns over alleged identity fraud linked to her mother, igniting public debates about immigration irregularities.
As authorities proceed with the case, there is growing speculation about how this will impact Adetshina’s career and whether more individuals will be implicated in the scandal.
