South African authorities have arrested Anabela Rungo, Chidimma Adetshina, the 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria’s mother.
Gatekeepers News reports that the beauty Queen’s mother is being accused of fraudulently obtaining a South African identity document.
Local media report that she was arrested in Cape Town during a joint operation by Home Affairs investigators and South African Police Service.
She had previously been declared an unwanted person in September 2024 after officials uncovered irregularities in her residency status.
Reports indicate that Rungo had been residing in South Africa despite having her documentation revoked.
According to reports; Authorities found Rungo at a private residence with a minor who is Chidimma’s child.
Officials suggest that Rungo may have attempted to circumvent immigration laws using her Mozambican passport.
Investigations are ongoing into additional potential misrepresentation and fraudulent activities.
She is expected to be transferred to law enforcement, as she is also under investigation by the Hawks, South Africa’s specialized crime unit.
Recall that Chidimma withdrew from 2024 Miss South Africa pageant after her mother was accused of identity theft and received backlash from South Africans.
Home Affairs Department commenced an investigation into Chidimma’s citizenship on 8 August the same year following a request from Miss South Africa organisers.
Subsequently, the Department revealed that the South African mother whose identity was allegedly stolen by Chidimma’s mother has been identified.
Chidimma was later invited to contest in Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, competed as Miss Taraba State and was crowned 2024 Miss Universe Nigeria on Saturday, 31 August.
In November 2024, she represented Nigeria and emerged first runner-up at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.
