The Department of Home Affairs has uncovered prima facie evidence suggesting fraud and identity theft committed by the mother of Miss South Africa contestant, Chidimma Adetshina. Adetshina, who has Nigerian and Mozambican heritage but was born and raised in South Africa, has faced controversy over her participation in the pageant.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber revealed that the investigation was initiated following a request from the Miss SA organizers. The department deployed various resources, including archival research and site visits, to verify information. Based on their findings, it appears that Adetshina’s mother may have committed fraudulent acts, potentially stealing another South African mother’s identity in the process.
Adetshina herself could not have participated in these alleged unlawful actions, as she was an infant at the time they occurred in 2001. The department is now broadening its probe to identify any officials involved in the scheme. Legal advice is being sought regarding the implications of this activity on Adetshina’s citizenship status, and criminal charges may be pressed against those implicated.
The case underscores the need for digital modernization in Home Affairs processes to prevent fraudulent interference. Additionally, the court-ordered unblocking of certain duplicate IDs must be handled with caution.
As the investigation continues, Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has publicly stated that he will apologize if it is proven that Adetshina holds South African citizenship.