South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has announced plans to revoke the identity and travel documents of Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa finalist, along with those of her mother, who was born in Mozambique. Following an investigation into alleged documentation irregularities, the department has referred the case to the Hawks, South Africa’s elite anti-corruption unit, for potential fraud charges.
The decision to pursue revocation comes after the Adetshinas missed an official deadline to provide reasons why their South African identity documents should remain valid. Home Affairs Director-General Tommy Makhode disclosed that department officials had visited a property connected to Adetshina to locate her mother, who is suspected to still be in the country.
Makhode noted, “We attempted to locate Ms. Adetshina’s mother at a property linked to her daughter. The absence of a response, along with her unclear whereabouts, has raised significant concerns about the validity of their documents.”
The investigation took an unexpected turn when officials discovered that Adetshina’s mother had reportedly traveled to Nigeria last month to support her daughter at the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, where Adetshina clinched the crown. Social media posts from the event appear to corroborate her presence in Nigeria, which has left South African officials puzzled. Authorities found no travel records indicating her departure from South Africa or entry into Nigeria.
“We couldn’t find a trace of the passport that she has been using to come to South Africa from Mozambique on the movement to Nigeria,” said Albert Matsaung, acting Deputy Director-General for Immigration. “This lack of documentation raises serious questions.”
The potential revocation and impending fraud charges have sparked significant public interest, especially in light of Adetshina’s recent pageant victory. The Hawks are now actively investigating the case, with further updates anticipated as the probe unfolds.
