Strict Bail Conditions For Chidimma Adetshina’s Mother Amid Immigration Charges

State have imposed strict bail conditions on Anabela Rungo, mother of former Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina, placing her under house arrest.

Rungo, a Mozambican national, appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where she was granted R10,000 bail. She faces two charges of contravening the Immigration Act and one related to the Identification Act.

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It opposed bail, arguing that Rungo posed a flight risk and could reoffend. Despite this, Magistrate Sadiqah Guendouz ruled in her favour but imposed strict conditions, including:

House arrest – She may only leave home to consult with her legal team or attend court. Travel restrictions – She is prohibited from applying for residency permits.

Diplomatic engagement ban – She cannot contact Mozambican or Nigerian embassies personally or through intermediaries.

Rungo, visibly emotional, sobbed in court upon hearing the conditions.

Earlier, the State applied to have Magistrate Guendouz recused, claiming bias and alleging she had prior knowledge of the case before Rungo’s arrest.

Rungo’s defence team opposed the recusal, and Guendouz dismissed the application, stating:

“This court could easily recuse itself. What has unfortunately become blatantly embarrassing for the State is that it’s going to find everybody discussed it in September. Those grounds are not enough.”

However, the case has been postponed to 8 May for further investigation.

Rungo was arrested earlier this month after South African Home Affairs authorities revoked her citizenship in September 2023, citing fraudulent documentation.

Home Affairs spokesperson Siya Qoza confirmed the department’s findings, stating that Rungo’s documents were obtained fraudulently, making her ineligible to remain in the country.

Rungo’s daughter, Chidimma Adetshina, was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria in September 2023. However, she had been a contestant in the Miss South Africa pageant before withdrawing due to public backlash over her nationality.

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Her inclusion in the top 10 of the competition sparked debate, with many questioning whether she was eligible to compete due to her name and nationality. She later quit the pageant, citing safety concerns.

Meanwhile, the case against Anabela Rungo highlights ongoing issues related to fraudulent documentation and immigration compliance in South Africa. As investigations continue, the State remains firm on ensuring she does not evade justice.

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