The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has announced its intention to press criminal charges against Chidimma Adetshina, the reigning Miss Universe Nigeria, and her mother, for alleged identity fraud. This comes after they failed to provide satisfactory justification for their South African identity documents, according to officials.
The controversy surrounding Adetshina’s identity surfaced when she entered the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. Following a public outcry, she withdrew from the competition, but scrutiny over her documentation persisted.
In a briefing to parliament on Tuesday, October 29, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza outlined the department’s response to the case, stating that Adetshina and her mother had ignored requests to clarify their documentation. The matter has now been escalated to the Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
“We’ve done our investigations, we went through due process, we gave her an opportunity to make representation, [and this] was not done,” Deputy Minister Nzuza said.
The department confirmed that a formal letter was sent to Adetshina and her mother, asking them to explain why their identity and travel documents should not be revoked. With the deadline passing on Monday, Home Affairs Director-General Livhuwani Tommy Makhode confirmed that the documents would now be withdrawn.
Adding an international dimension to the case, Deputy Minister Nzuza stated that Interpol is collaborating with South Africa to address potential international aspects of the alleged identity fraud.
Despite the legal complications in South Africa, Adetshina is set to represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe finale in Mexico City next month after winning the Miss Universe Nigeria title.