The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has announced plans to press criminal charges against Chidimma Adetshina, the reigning Miss Universe Nigeria, and her mother, for alleged identity fraud. This decision follows their inability to satisfactorily justify their South African identity documents.
The controversy arose when Adetshina entered the Miss South Africa beauty pageant, leading to significant public scrutiny. After a public outcry, she withdrew from the competition, but questions regarding her documentation persisted. In a parliamentary briefing on Tuesday, October 29, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza explained that Adetshina and her mother had ignored requests to clarify their identity documents, prompting the escalation of the case to the Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
“We’ve conducted our investigations and followed due process, giving her an opportunity to make representation, which was not done,” Deputy Minister Nzuza stated.
The department confirmed that a formal letter was sent to Adetshina and her mother, requesting an explanation as to why their identity and travel documents should not be revoked. With the deadline for their response passing on Monday, Home Affairs Director-General Livhuwani Tommy Makhode announced that the documents would now be withdrawn.
Adding an international dimension, Deputy Minister Nzuza noted that Interpol is collaborating with South Africa to address potential international aspects of the alleged identity fraud.
Despite these legal challenges, Adetshina is scheduled to represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe finale in Mexico City next month, following her victory in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.