SA Home Affairs now claim Chidimma Adetshina’s mother committed ID fraud

The controversy around the participation of Chidimma Adetshina in this year’s edition of the Miss SA pageant has taken another twist with South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs claiming it has uncovered prima facie evidence that her mother might have committed identity theft.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber made the announcement on Wednesday in a statement.

“The department is obtaining legal advice on the implications of the alleged fraudulent activity on Adetshina’s citizenship status. Upon the completion of the investigation, Home Affairs intends to press criminal charges,” he said.

The 23-year-old finalist is said to have a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother but was born in South Africa with her parents both having South African residency status.

But now according to Schreiber an innocent South African mother, had her identity stolen as part of the alleged fraud committed by Adetshina’s mother.

He warned that they would investigate and prosecute any officials in the Department who assisted in the alleged fraud.

“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.

“Throughout this process, Home Affairs is guided by our commitment to both restoring and upholding the rule of the law as well as the rights of all parties,’’ Schreiber added.