Anabela Rungo Detained for Fraudulently Obtaining South African ID
In a dramatic turn of events, Anabela Rungo, the mother of Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidinma Adetshina, has been arrested by South African authorities over allegations of fraudulently obtaining a South African identity document. The arrest, confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs, took place on Saturday at a hideout in Cape Town following a joint operation by Home Affairs investigators and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
A Persona Non Grata
According to Siya Qoza, spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs, Rungo, a Mozambican national, had been declared persona non grata (an unwelcome person) in September 2024 after officials uncovered irregularities in her residency status.
“Investigators from the department, assisted by SAPS, detained Anabela Rungo at a property in Cape Town,” Qoza stated. “The Department withdrew Rungo’s South African documentation in September 2024 after finding that it had been fraudulently obtained, rendering her ineligible to continue residing in South Africa.”
Controversy Surrounding Chidinma Adetshina
The arrest adds another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding Chidinma Adetshina, who withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant last year amid allegations of identity theft and questions about her nationality. The scandal had already cast a shadow over her participation in the pageant, and her mother’s arrest is likely to reignite public scrutiny.
What’s Next for Rungo?
Rungo’s arrest highlights the South African government’s crackdown on fraudulent documentation and illegal residency. As the legal process unfolds, questions remain about how this will impact Chidinma Adetshina’s career and public image.
For now, the case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of fraudulent activities, even for those connected to high-profile individuals.
