While former Miss SA contestant Chidimma Adetshina is chasing the Miss Universe Nigeria crown, the Department of Home Affairs has revealed developing evidence pertaining to her citizenship.
Weeks ago, the department found prima facie evidence that the beauty queen’s mother was allegedly involved in identity theft of a South African woman.
Earlier on Tuesday, the department discovered that Adetshina’s mother may have stolen the identity of a South African woman who was registered in 1982 in Tshwane, by her mother, and entered the national population register.
The South African woman applied for an ID in 1995. However, upon her return to collect the ID after three months, she learnt that her ID had been issued in Johannesburg at an office where she had not applied.
Moreover, when the South African woman went to register her child’s birth in 2001, it was discovered a child’s name was registered under her ID number, which was Adetshina.
“The child that was registered was Chidimma Adetshina. The information shared by the family of the lady whose ID was stolen in Tshwane matches the details contained in the department’s records.
“Adetshina’s mother was issued with the Promotion of Administrative Justice letter on August 7. Her response to this letter will determine the final decision that the department will take in relation to the ID she is currently carrying,” said the department.
The department also discovered that two officials may have been involved in the fraudulent scheme. The alleged parties are being investigated by the Hawks, who have taken over the case.
The Star