Chidimma Adetshina’s Mother Fights For Bail In Cape Town Immigration Fraud Case “I’m Innocent”

Anabela Rungo, mother of model and beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina, is fighting for her release after being arrested for alleged immigration fraud. The 54-year-old appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Friday, insisting that she is innocent and should be granted bail.

Mother of Model Accused of Identity Fraud

Rungo, a Mozambican national, faces charges under the Immigration Act and Identification Act after allegedly obtaining fraudulent South African citizenship. The state accuses her of applying for an ID under the name Sara Moyo, despite having no legal residency status in the country.

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Immigration officer Adrian Jackson testified that Home Affairs revoked Chdimma Adetshina’s ID in September 2024 after she failed to respond to official correspondence. Authorities claim she used falsified bank documents in a failed residency application in 2016 and later obtained a South African ID illegally.

On February 15, police arrested Rungo at her home in Summer Greens, Cape Town, where she was allegedly residing under false pretences.

Legal Battle Over Bail

During Friday’s bail hearing, Rungo submitted an affidavit stating that her continued detention at Pollsmoor Prison was unjust. “I believe I am innocent and will be acquitted. My release would not undermine public peace,” she said.

Her lawyer, Ben Mathewson, argued that keeping Rungo in custody was unnecessary as she has no prior convictions, no outstanding warrants, and poses no flight risk. He emphasised that she lives with her husband Michael and cares for her grandson while her daughter, Chidimma, travels for work.

“She requires medication for health issues and fears she may collapse due to the unsanitary conditions at Pollsmoor,” Mathewson told the court.

The defence proposed bail of R3,000, arguing that the available evidence did not justify her continued detention.

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State Opposes Bail Amidst Fraud Allegations

However, the state maintains that Rungo knowingly committed identity fraud and ignored multiple warnings from Home Affairs. Jackson revealed that when authorities attempted to notify her about her revoked citizenship, she could not be traced, forcing officials to send letters via WhatsApp.

“She was aware of the fraud allegations yet continued living in South Africa illegally,” Jackson testified.

The court postponed the case to February 26, leaving Rungo in custody as she awaits further legal proceedings.

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