The South African Government has announced the arrest of Anabela Rungo, the mother of Miss Universe Nigeria contestant, Chidimma Adetshina, over allegations of fraudulently obtaining a South African identity document.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the arrest was carried out through a joint operation involving Home Affairs investigators and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to Department spokesperson Siya Qoza, Rungo, a Mozambican national, was taken into custody at a residence in Cape Town. Qoza explained that Rungo had been declared persona non grata in September 2024 after officials uncovered irregularities regarding her residency status.
“Investigators from the department, with assistance from SAPS, apprehended Anabela Rungo at a property in Cape Town. In September 2024, the Department revoked her South African documentation after determining it was obtained through fraudulent means, making her ineligible to remain in the country,” Qoza said.
It is worth recalling that Chidimma Adetshina previously withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant amid controversy over her nationality and allegations of identity fraud involving her mother.