The Miss South Africa's contest has been embroiled in controversy ever since Chidimma Adetshina Onwe was announced as a contestant of the pageant.
Many South Africans complained on social media that there was no way she should be allowed to contest since she is Nigerian.
Chidimma’s mother is a Mozambique woman who is believed to have Zulu roots, and her father is Nigerian but she was born in South Africa.
They had initially stated that Chidimma and her family were legal citizens of South Africa. However, in the latest development case, Chidimma's mother has been accused of fraud and identity theft.
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The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) released a gazette stating that they found prima facie indications of fraud committed by Chidimma Adetshina’s mother.
It was stated that the organisers of the pageant sent a request to confirm Chidimma’s citizenship.
“The department also said that the ongoing investigation into the citizenship of Adetshina, a contestant in the upcoming Miss SA event, has broadened since the original request received from the organisers of Miss SA.
The organisers initially sent the department a request to verify the citizenship of Adetshina, accompanied by written consent from both Adetshina and her mother.”
The department stated that based on the information uncovered:
- The department has identified Chidimma Adetshina's mother as the suspect in a fraud and identity theft case.
- Adetshina, an infant at the time, could not have participated in the alleged unlawful actions.
- An innocent South African mother suffered as she couldn't register her child.
- The department said in a statement that talks are still continuing on with all parties involved, including Adetshina's mother.
- The department is now investigating officials involved in the fraudulent scheme and is seeking legal advice on the implications of the alleged fraudulent activity on Adetshina's citizenship status.
- Once the investigation is complete, criminal charges will be filed against all implicated parties.
The gazette said, ‘‘The case also highlights the reason for the department’s blocking of certain duplicate IDs and that the court-ordered unblocking of these documents must be handled with caution.”
They concluded by saying, “Throughout this process, Home Affairs is guided by our commitment to both restoring and upholding the rule of law as well as the rights of all parties.”