Anabela Rungo, mother of Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina, was arrested on February 15, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa, over allegations of identity fraud. The Department of Home Affairs, with police assistance, detained Rungo after discovering her South African documentation was fraudulently obtained. Despite the revocation of her documents in September 2024, Rungo allegedly continued to reside in South Africa using a Mozambican passport. Authorities also found Adetshina's underage child living with Rungo, prompting collaboration with the Department of Social Development and the SAPS Child Protection Unit to ensure the child's welfare.
This arrest follows previous reports of Rungo's alleged involvement in identity theft, which had raised questions about Adetshina's eligibility in beauty pageants. The Department of Home Affairs is conducting further investigations into potential misrepresentation and fraudulent activities by Rungo.
The situation has sparked discussions about the integrity of identity documentation processes in South Africa and the implications for individuals holding fraudulently obtained documents.
For more details, watch the following news report: