Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old contestant in the Miss South Africa pageant, has withdrawn from the competition following an investigation into her citizenship status. Adetshina, who was born in South Africa to parents of Nigerian and Mozambican heritage, announced her decision on Instagram on Thursday.
The controversy began earlier this week when the Department of Home Affairs launched an investigation into allegations that Adetshina’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft to secure South African citizenship. The investigation was prompted by a request from the Miss South Africa organizers, with Adetshina and her mother’s consent.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber shared preliminary findings in a statement on Wednesday, indicating that there is evidence suggesting possible fraud and identity theft related to Adetshina’s mother. Schreiber emphasized that Adetshina herself was an infant at the time of the alleged activities in 2001 and was not involved in any unlawful actions. The investigation also revealed that an innocent South African woman may have been unable to register her child due to the alleged identity theft.
In addition to the government’s probe, the Patriotic Alliance took legal action to prevent Adetshina from participating in the pageant. With the investigation still ongoing, the Department of Home Affairs is considering further legal action based on its final findings.
Adetshina’s withdrawal highlights the gravity of the situation and the impact of the ongoing investigation on her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant. The pageant organizers have not yet provided further comments on the matter.
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