Prima facie indications of fraud by Chidimma Adetshina’s mother

The Department of Home Affairs has revealed that they have found a prima facie indication of fraud against the mother of Miss SA contestant Chidimma Adetshina.

The department believes that Adetshina’s mother may have stolen the identity of another South African woman when registering the birth. Home Affairs has since broadened its investigation to identify and pursue other officials involved in the fraud.

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“The reason for the ongoing nature of the investigation is that its scope has broadened since the original request received from the organisers of Miss SA,” said the department in a statement. 

“The Department nonetheless provides this public update based on the official request received from Miss SA. As well as the consent provided by both the contestant and her mother. We will provide a final update once the investigation is concluded.”

INDICATIONS OF FRAUD FOUND AGAINST THE MOTHER OF MISS SA CONTESTANT CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA 

“Prima facie reasons exist to believe that fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the person recorded in Home Affairs records as Chidimma Adetshina’s mother. Adetshina could not have participated in the alleged unlawful actions of her mother. She was an infant at the time when the activities took place in 2001,” they said. 

“An innocent South African mother, whose identity may have been stolen as part of the alleged fraud committed by Adetshina’s mother, suffered as a result because she could not register her child. 

“The Department has broadened its investigation. To identify and pursue any officials involved in the alleged fraudulent scheme. We are 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 against all implicated parties.”