South African police have arrested Anabela Rungo, the mother of Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adeshina, on allegations of fraudulently obtaining residency documents.
Rungo, a Mozambican national, was taken into custody in Cape Town during a joint operation by the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Officials allege she secured South African identity documents through fraudulent means, a matter that had been under investigation since September 2024, when her documentation was revoked.
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Despite losing her legal residency status, Rungo reportedly remained in South Africa, using her Mozambican passport to evade immigration restrictions.
“It appears that Rungo has defied her ‘undesirable’ status,” Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza stated, confirming that further investigations into potential misrepresentation are underway.
At the time of her arrest, Rungo was found with Adeshina’s minor child. Authorities have since involved the Department of Social Development and SAPS Child Protection Services to ensure the child’s safety while Rungo faces legal proceedings.
This development follows growing scrutiny over Adeshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant, which sparked questions about her nationality.
The controversy eventually led to her withdrawal from the competition before she went on to represent Nigeria at Miss Universe 2024, where she placed as the first runner-up.
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