The South African government has confirmed the arrest of Anabela Rungo, the mother of Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidinma Adetshina, over allegations of identity fraud.
Rungo, a Mozambican national, was taken into custody on Saturday in Cape Town following an extensive investigation by the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Authorities allege that she fraudulently obtained a South African identity document, which subsequently led to questions about her legal status in the country.
The case has attracted widespread attention, particularly due to the controversy surrounding her daughter’s brief participation in the Miss South Africa pageant before withdrawing under intense scrutiny.
In an official statement released on Saturday, the Department of Home Affairs detailed the arrest, emphasizing that it was part of a broader crackdown on identity fraud and illegal immigration.
According to the statement, the operation was meticulously planned and executed by Home Affairs investigators in collaboration with SAPS officers.
Law enforcement officials had reportedly been tracking Rungo for some time after irregularities were discovered in her residency documentation.
Her capture at a residence in Cape Town marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to curb fraudulent activities related to citizenship and residency status.
Authorities revealed that Rungo had previously been declared persona non grata in September 2024 after an internal review exposed discrepancies in her documents.
The Department of Home Affairs had subsequently revoked her South African documentation, effectively making her ineligible to continue residing in the country.
Despite this ruling, Rungo remained in South Africa, prompting law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to locate and apprehend her.
Officials have reiterated that fraudulent acquisition of citizenship poses serious security risks and undermines the integrity of the nation’s legal and immigration systems.
The investigation into Rungo’s case reportedly gained momentum following the controversy surrounding her daughter, Chidinma Adetshina, who had initially entered the Miss South Africa pageant.
Adetshina, who has dual Nigerian and Mozambican heritage, became the subject of intense media scrutiny when questions arose about her eligibility to compete in the national beauty contest.
The situation escalated when allegations surfaced that her mother had obtained fraudulent South African identification, casting doubts on Adetshina’s own claims of residency.
The mounting pressure ultimately led to her withdrawal from the competition.
Officials have emphasized that Rungo’s arrest is not just an isolated case but part of a wider effort to dismantle fraudulent identity networks operating within South Africa.
The Department of Home Affairs has been actively investigating individuals suspected of unlawfully acquiring citizenship or permanent residency through falsified documentation.
This crackdown reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening border control measures and ensuring that only legally recognized residents have access to national benefits.
The department has urged the public to report any suspicious cases of identity fraud to assist in maintaining the integrity of South Africa’s legal framework.
As the legal proceedings against Rungo unfold, there is growing speculation about the potential implications for her daughter, Chidinma Adetshina.
While there is no direct evidence linking Adetshina to the alleged fraud, the controversy has undeniably impacted her public image and career prospects.
Legal experts suggest that Rungo could face deportation or even criminal charges depending on the severity of the findings against her.
Meanwhile, the case continues to generate debate on the broader issue of identity fraud, the challenges of immigration policy enforcement, and the responsibilities of public figures in navigating legal controversies.
