The Department of Home Affairs has uncovered prima facie evidence suggesting that Chidimma Adetshina’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft 23 years ago.
This revelation comes after a thorough investigation prompted by a request from the Miss South Africa organisers. The inquiry was launched following public concerns about the legitimacy of Adetshina’s citizenship.
The Home Affairs department, led by Minister Leon Schreiber, provided an update on Wednesday afternoon, stating that despite the allegations, Adetshina herself is absolved of any involvement.
Schreiber emphasised that Adetshina was an infant in 2001 when the alleged fraudulent activities took place, thus excluding her from any wrongdoing.
Unfortunately, the alleged fraud likely caused significant distress to an innocent South African mother whose identity may have been stolen, preventing her from registering her own child.
In response, the Department of Home Affairs has expanded its investigation to include any officials who might have been part of the fraudulent scheme. Legal action will be taken against all implicated parties once the investigation wraps up.
Schreiber highlighted the need for digitising Home Affairs’ systems to prevent similar incidents. He pointed out that this case sheds light on the urgent necessity for blocking duplicate identity documents and modernising the department’s verification processes, similar to the reforms implemented at the South African Revenue Service in the late 2000s.
[MEDIA STATEMENT] Ongoing Home Affairs investigation finds Prima Facie indications of fraud committed by Chidimma Adetshina’s mother. #TeamHomeAffairs #DHAServiceDelivery @GCISMedia pic.twitter.com/X5Dy2fWjNW
— HomeAffairsSA 🇿🇦 (@HomeAffairsSA) August 7, 2024
As Miss South Africa is scheduled to take place this Saturday at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, the Department of Home Affairs remains committed to resolving this issue and ensuring the integrity of the country’s citizenship records.
Criminal charges will be pressed against all implicated individuals to uphold justice and maintain the trust of the South African public.
