The South African government has clarified the circumstances surrounding the detention of Anabela Rungo, mother of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, Chidimma Adetshina. Rungo was taken into custody in Cape Town over the weekend following an operation by Home Affairs officials and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to Siya Qoza, spokesperson for the Home Affairs Department, Rungo’s documentation was revoked in September 2024 due to allegations of fraudulent acquisition of her identity documents.
“The Department withdrew Rungo’s South African documentation after finding it had been fraudulently obtained, making her ineligible to reside in the country,” Qoza stated.
Authorities revealed that despite being declared persona non grata, Rungo remained in the country using her Mozambican passport, thereby violating immigration laws. Qoza confirmed ongoing investigations into potential further misconduct.
“After being processed by Home Affairs, she will be handed over to SAPS as she is also the subject of an ongoing Hawks investigation,” he added.
Legal experts suggest Rungo faces possible deportation. Immigration lawyer Ashraf Essop explained that individuals with invalid documentation either leave voluntarily or face deportation. Essop noted that the exact circumstances of Rungo’s documentation invalidation remain uncertain.
The controversy surrounding Rungo initially came to light during her daughter’s participation in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant last year. Adetshina’s eligibility was questioned, leading to her withdrawal from the competition. She later competed in the Miss Universe Nigeria contest, securing the title and ultimately emerging as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
