The Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (the Hawks), has intensified its investigation into a potential identity fraud case involving Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa contestant.
The allegations suggest that Adetshina’s mother may have unlawfully assumed the identity of a Tshwane woman, leading to significant legal and personal repercussions.
Home Affairs revealed to Parliament that three officials were implicated in the registration of Adetshina’s birth in 2001, one of whom has since passed away.
Investigations suggest that Adetshina’s mother fraudulently adopted the identity of a woman born in 1982, whose ID number was linked to the registration of Adetshina’s birth.
The Tshwane woman, who initially applied for her ID in Pretoria in 1995, later discovered that her ID had been issued to someone in Johannesburg, resulting in prolonged struggles to register the birth of her own child.
The unfolding investigation has reached a critical phase. Two weeks ago, Home Affairs issued a Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) letter to Adetshina’s mother, the response to which will play a crucial role in determining the legality of her ID.
Advocate Constance Moitse, head of the Counter Corruption Unit at Home Affairs, emphasized the broader implications of this case for the ongoing digitization efforts aimed at mitigating opportunities for fraudulent activities.
The Hawks’ involvement underscores the gravity of the alleged fraud, with ongoing efforts to uncover its full extent and hold those accountable. The Tshwane woman’s child suffered due to the prolonged struggle to obtain a correct registration, highlighting the severe personal impacts of identity fraud.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber stressed the urgency of digitally transforming Home Affairs to prevent similar cases in the future. The investigation reveals systemic vulnerabilities that must be addressed to prevent further abuse of South African citizenship.
The authorities remain committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice, while also seeking legal advice to evaluate the potential impact on Adetshina’s citizenship status.
