Mother of Miss SA contestant Chidinma probed for 'identity theft'

Chidinma Adetshina's candidature in the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has drawn mixed reactions, with a number of people questioning her nationality. The South African government says an investigation has revealed that the mother of Miss South Africa 2024 contestant Chidinma Adetshina may have committed "identity theft." According to government, Adetshina's mother is suspected of stealing the identity details of another South African woman, and using the stolen identity details to register the then-young Adetshina. South Africa's Department of Home Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday that "an innocent South African mother, whose identity may have been stolen as part of the alleged fraud committed by Adetshina's mother, suffered as a result because she could not register her child." The department added that it had "broadened its investigation to identify and pursue any officials involved in the alleged fraudulent scheme." 'Digital modernisation' The agency further said it was "obtaining legal advice on the implications of the alleged fraudulent activity on Adetshina's citizenship status." "Upon the completion of the investigation, Home Affairs intends to press criminal charges against all implicated parties," the department said, adding: "There are ongoing engagements with all stakeholders, including Adetshina's mother." The agency also stated: "This case, which stems from alleged fraudulent activities committed 23 years ago, highlights the urgent need for the digital modernisation of Home Affairs applications, adjudication and verification processes, to insulate the department against fraudulent interference, similar to the reforms undertaken at the South African Revenue Service in the late 2000s." "The case also highlights the reason for the department's blocking of certain duplicate IDs, and that the court-ordered unblocking of these documents must be handled with caution." Among top 13 The Department of Home Affairs said throughout the process, it would be "guided by our commitment to both restoring and upholding the rule of the law as well as the rights of all parties." Chidinma Adetshina is among the top 13 models seeking to represent South Africa at the next global beauty contest. Initial government records indicated Adetshina was born to a South African mother and a Nigerian father in South Africa's Johannesburg city. The model's mother was also said to have Mozambican roots. Adetshina's candidature in the beauty contest has drawn mixed reactions, with a number of people questioning her nationality , given that her parents have foreign roots. On August 10, the new Miss South Africa will be crowned and Adetshina hopes she would succeed Natasha Joubert as the crown-holder. ➤ Click here to follow our WhatsApp channel for more stories.