Two Officials Under Investigation in Identity Theft Case Involving Chidimma Adetshina’s Mother

The South African Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, has launched an investigation into two officials from the Department of Home Affairs. This probe stems from allegations that they were involved in a case of identity theft linked to the mother of Chidimma Adetshina, a Miss South Africa 2024 finalist.

Chidimma Adetshina, born in 2001 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, has Nigerian and South African roots, with her father being of Igbo descent. While her father is Nigerian, reports indicate her mother is a Mozambican national who has acquired South African citizenship.

Controversy surrounded Chidimma’s participation in the Miss South Africa pageant, with several social media users questioning her eligibility and calling for her disqualification. These concerns led the South African Ministry of Home Affairs to initiate an investigation into Adetshina’s background, specifically focusing on her mother’s identity.

The investigation uncovered allegations that Adetshina’s mother may have committed fraud by assuming the identity of a woman from Tshwane. This revelation led Chidimma to withdraw from the beauty pageant.

The South African Parliament’s Committee on Home Affairs was recently briefed on the situation, where it was confirmed that the Hawks are now involved in the investigation. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that they have successfully located the woman whose identity was allegedly stolen and have verified her citizenship documents.

However, they have been unable to trace any supporting documentation for Adetshina’s mother. According to the ministry, it appears that Adetshina’s mother may have assumed the identity of a Tshwane woman who was born in 1982 and gave birth in 2001. The original ID holder reportedly applied for her identity document in Pretoria in 1995, but when she returned to collect it, she found it had already been issued to someone in Johannesburg.

Further investigation by the Department of Home Affairs identified three officials potentially involved in the identity theft case. One of these officials has since passed away. Constance Moitse, head of the department’s counter-corruption unit, informed Parliament that they are still awaiting a response from Adetshina’s mother regarding the allegations.

“Her response to this letter will be crucial in determining the department’s final decision regarding the validity of the ID she currently holds,” Moitse stated.

Despite the controversy, Chidimma Adetshina has accepted an invitation to participate in this year’s Miss Universe Nigeria pageant.