By Thabo Mosia
The Department of Home Affairs has announced its decision to cancel the South African identity and travel documents of former Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina and her Mozambican-born mother, citing concerns over their legal residency status. This follows an investigation that raised questions about Adetshina’s nationality, sparking a public debate that eventually brought the case to Parliament.
The matter gained attention in August 2024 when questions emerged regarding Adetshina’s heritage after she became a finalist in the Miss South Africa pageant. On Tuesday, Home Affairs officials informed Parliament’s portfolio committee that their findings had been handed over to the Hawks, with possible fraud charges pending. Despite being granted a deadline to defend their South African nationality status, neither Adetshina nor her mother responded, leading the department to move forward with its decision.
Home Affairs Investigation: Timeline and Findings
The investigation into Chidimma Adetshina and her mother’s South African documentation began after public scrutiny over Adetshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa pageant. Speculation around her heritage intensified, prompting the Department of Home Affairs to conduct a comprehensive review of her documentation and that of her mother.
In a statement before Parliament, Home Affairs Director General Tommy Makhode reported that Adetshina and her mother were given a deadline to make representations regarding their South African citizenship status. However, they failed to meet this deadline, paving the way for the department’s decision to revoke their documents.
Makhode added that efforts to locate Adetshina’s mother led officials to an address registered under her name, where they hoped to clarify her residency status. Despite their attempts, Home Affairs believes she remains in South Africa but cannot account for her possible recent travels to Nigeria, where she reportedly attended her daughter’s crowning as Miss Universe Nigeria.
Allegations of Unauthorised Travel During Investigation
Photographic evidence of Adetshina’s mother at the Miss Universe Nigeria event has complicated the investigation. Despite the ongoing probe, her appearance at the pageant suggests she may have travelled to Nigeria without official clearance, raising further questions about her movement in and out of South Africa.
Acting Deputy Director-General for immigration, Albert Matsaung, explained the challenge Home Affairs faced in tracing her travel records. “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,” Matsaung told Parliament. This revelation adds a layer of complexity, as it indicates a potential breach in documentation control and raises questions about unauthorised travel across borders.
Social Media Evidence and Public Scrutiny
Social media has played a significant role in bringing this case to light. Posts shared online by Adetshina show her en route to Mexico from the United States, where she is participating in the Miss Universe pageant. These posts have intensified scrutiny, with many South Africans questioning the legitimacy of her and her mother’s residency status in the country.
The public’s response to the case has been mixed, with some expressing support for Adetshina’s achievements while others raise concerns over the integrity of South African citizenship laws. This debate underscores broader issues regarding the verification of identity documents and the processes for obtaining citizenship in South Africa.
Political Response and Parliament’s Involvement
The case reached Parliament in August, where Home Affairs officials were called to respond to public concerns regarding the Adetshinas’ legal status in South Africa. The department’s presentation before the portfolio committee on Tuesday marked the culmination of their investigation, with Director General Makhode outlining the rationale for the decision to cancel the family’s South African documentation.
The Home Affairs Department has faced pressure from Parliament to enforce stringent measures against alleged cases of document fraud. Members of Parliament have voiced concerns over possible loopholes in the system, urging the department to uphold the integrity of South African citizenship by ensuring that all applicants meet the legal criteria.
Potential Fraud Charges and Legal Ramifications
With the investigation now handed over to the Hawks, the Adetshinas may face charges of fraud if it is determined that they acquired South African identity documents under false pretences. Fraudulent acquisition of citizenship is considered a serious offence, carrying significant legal consequences under South African law.
The Hawks, a specialised crime-fighting unit, will conduct a detailed investigation to assess whether the Adetshinas’ documentation breaches any laws. If found guilty, they could face criminal charges, which may result in penalties, including imprisonment or deportation, depending on the case outcome.
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