Anabela Rungo, the mother of Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chidimma Adetshina, appeared before the Cape Town Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 14 May 2025. She faces serious charges of identity theft and violating South Africa’s Immigration Act.
Rungo, a Mozambican national, has been under strict house arrest since February 2025. This followed her arrest for remaining in the country illegally after her South African identity documents were revoked in September 2024. Authorities allege she fraudulently acquired South African citizenship by stealing the identity of another woman.
Last week’s court session was postponed due to changes in legal representation. The state appointed a new prosecutor, while Rungo also secured a new lawyer, necessitating time for both parties to prepare adequately.
At the heart of Wednesday’s proceedings are the identity theft allegations. Rungo’s legal team is also seeking to ease her bail conditions, particularly the requirement of house arrest, which they argue is unnecessarily restrictive. She was granted bail of R10,000 in February, despite objections from the state, which considered her a flight risk.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, Rungo allegedly used another woman’s identity to fraudulently obtain South African citizenship, including official documents such as a passport and national ID. The department has since classified her as a “prohibited person”—a designation applied to individuals who obtained documents through fraudulent means.
Independent immigration attorney Stefanie De Saude Darbandi explained the complexity of the case, noting that it involves both criminal and immigration proceedings.
“The court is handling the fraud case, while Home Affairs is pursuing the immigration violations,” she said. De Saude Darbandi added that Rungo may argue in her defense that she cooperated voluntarily with investigators, which could influence the court’s view on her intentions and compliance.
If found guilty, Rungo could face imprisonment and deportation to Mozambique. Home Affairs has already barred her from applying for permanent residency in South Africa while the matter remains unresolved.
Public interest in the case has surged, in part due to Rungo’s daughter, Chidimma Adetshina. Once a finalist in Miss South Africa, Adetshina went on to win the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 title and was later crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
The family’s high-profile status has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While some South Africans criticize the legal system for being too lenient—highlighting the bail decision—others urge empathy, citing the impact on Rungo’s family.
The allegations trace back to 2001, when the original identity theft is believed to have occurred. As legal proceedings continue, both the criminal charges and immigration implications remain under close scrutiny.
