South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has revealed plans to file criminal charges against Chidimma Adetshina, the reigning Miss Universe Nigeria, and her mother for alleged identity fraud. Officials say they failed to present acceptable justification for their South African identity certificates.
When Adetshina competed in the Miss South Africa beauty competition, questions erupted over her identity. After a public outcry, she withdrew from the competition, but questions about her documents continued.
Adetshina and her mother had disregarded efforts to clarify their papers, according to Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza, who presented the department’s answer to the case to parliament on Tuesday, October 29. The Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, have now been tasked with investigating the case.
“We’ve done our investigations, we went through due process, we gave her an opportunity to make representation, [and this] was not done,” Deputy Minister Nzuza said.
The government acknowledged that Adetshina and her mother received an official letter requesting that they explain why their identity and travel cards should not be withdrawn. With the deadline passing on Monday, Home Affairs Director-General Livhuwani Tommy Makhode stated that the records would be withdrawn.
Deputy Minister Nzuza added an international dimension to the matter by stating that Interpol is working with South Africa to address any potential international implications of the suspected identity fraud.
Despite the legal issues in South Africa, Adetshina will represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe finale in Mexico City next month after earning the Miss Universe Nigeria title.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
