Why We Arrested Chidimma Adetshina’s Mother – South African Government

South African authorities have provided an explanation for the arrest and detention of Anabela Rungo, the mother of reigning Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, Chidimma Adetshina. Rungo was apprehended by the Department of Home Affairs in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Cape Town over the weekend.

According to Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza, Rungo was arrested for residing in South Africa despite having her documentation revoked in September 2024. Officials determined that her South African identity documents were fraudulently obtained, leading to her being declared persona non grata.

“Investigators from the department, assisted by SAPS, detained Anabela Rungo at a property in Cape Town. 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,” Qoza stated.

Despite this ruling, Rungo allegedly remained in the country, reportedly using her Mozambican passport to circumvent her immigration status. Qoza confirmed that investigations are ongoing into possible additional instances of misrepresentation and fraudulent activities linked to her stay.

Authorities have indicated that following Home Affairs processing, Rungo will be transferred to SAPS, as she is also under investigation by the Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.

Legal experts have weighed in on the case, with immigration lawyer Ashraf Essop stating that individuals with revoked documentation typically have two choices: voluntary departure or forced deportation. Essop added that the circumstances surrounding the invalidation of Rungo’s documents remain unclear, but voluntary surrender could have led to a smoother deportation process.

Rungo’s legal troubles follow the controversy involving her daughter, Chidimma Adetshina, in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant last year. Adetshina was ruled ineligible to compete due to her non-citizen status and subsequently withdrew amid online criticism. She later competed in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, winning the title before securing the position of first runner-up at Miss Universe 2024 and the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.

With Rungo now in detention, authorities suggest that her deportation from South Africa is a likely outcome.