The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that its investigators, assisted by the South African Police Service (SAPS), detained the mother of former Miss South Africa finalist Chidimma Adetshina’s mother.
According to the department, her mother, Ms Anabela Rungo, was arrested at a property in Cape Town on Saturday.
In September of last year, the Home Affairs Department withdrew Rungo’s South African documentation after investigations found that she had fraudulently obtained her documentation, rendering her ineligible to continue staying in the country.
This was revealed after Adetshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa pageants sparked controversy, with many questioning her nationality and eligibility to participate.
Investigations launched by the department found that her mother, Rungo, may have stolen someone’s identity in 2001. The former finalist however played no part in the alleged fraud as she was an infant at the time.
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In an apparent act of brazen disregard for the legal consequences of her conduct, it appears that Rungo disregarded the department’s orders and entered the country using her Mozambican passport.
“Investigations are ongoing into further potential misrepresentation and fraudulent conduct.”
During the operation on Saturday, investigators from the Counter Corruption and Immigration Services branches of the Department also found Adetshina’s under-aged child residing with Rungo.
After being processed by Home Affairs over her apparent illegal continued residence in South Africa, Rungo will be handed over to the police as she is also the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
Home Affairs is further liaising with the Department of Social Development and SAPS Child Protection Unit as it relates to protecting the interests of the under-age child.
“The Department will provide further updates at opportune moments.”
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