The Department of Home Affairs provides an update on the ongoing investigation into the citizenship of Chidimma Adetshina, a contestant in the upcoming Miss SA event. This investigation has broadened due to new information uncovered by Home Affairs investigators.
The Department provides this public update based on the official request from Miss SA and the consent of both the contestant and her mother. A final update will be provided once the investigation concludes.
On Monday, 05 August 2024, Miss SA organisers requested the Department verify Chidimma Adetshina's citizenship, with written consent from Adetshina and her mother. The Department deployed all resources, including archival research and site visits, to establish the truth.
Key findings thus far include:
- Prima facie reasons to believe fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the person recorded as Adetshina’s mother.
- Adetshina is not implicated in the alleged unlawful actions of her mother
- An innocent South African mother, whose identity may have been stolen, suffered as she could not register her child.
- The investigation has broadened to identify and pursue any officials involved in the alleged fraud, with legal advice being sought on the implications for Adetshina’s citizenship status.
- Home Affairs intends to press criminal charges against all implicated parties upon completing the investigation.
Engagements with all stakeholders, including Adetshina’s mother, are ongoing. This case highlights the need for the digital modernisation of Home Affairs processes to prevent fraudulent interference and the cautious handling of court-ordered unblocking of duplicate IDs.
Home Affairs remains committed to restoring and upholding the rule of law and the rights of all parties involved.
