Cape Town, South Africa – Anabela Rungo, mother of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania Chidinma Adetshina, was arrested Saturday in Cape Town for alleged identity fraud. Rungo was detained after authorities found her residing in the country despite having her South African documents confiscated last year.
Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza stated that Rungo was deemed ineligible to live in South Africa in September 2023 due to alleged identity fraud used to obtain citizenship. “Rungo has defied her ‘undesirable’ status, apparently using her Mozambican passport,” Qoza said. “Investigations are ongoing into further potential misrepresentation and fraudulent conduct.”
During the arrest, officials discovered Adetshina’s young child living with Rungo. The Department of Social Development and the SAPS Child Protection Unit are now involved to ensure the child’s safety.
Rungo is currently being processed by Home Affairs. She will then be handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS). The Hawks are also investigating her.
Questions about Adetshina’s family background arose during her participation in Miss South Africa 2023. She clarified then that her father is Nigerian and her mother is South African, with Mozambican heritage. However, a subsequent Home Affairs investigation revealed potential identity fraud connected to her mother.
Adetshina withdrew from Miss South Africa but later represented Nigeria in Miss Universe. She was the first runner-up and won the Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title.
Home Affairs stated that more details on Rungo’s case will be provided later. They will not grant interviews at this time.
