The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa has announced plans to file criminal charges against Chidimma Adetshina, the current Miss Universe Nigeria, and her mother for alleged identity fraud. This decision follows their inability to provide adequate explanations for their South African identity documents.
The controversy began when Adetshina participated in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant, which led to public scrutiny over her documentation. In response to mounting pressure, she eventually withdrew from the competition, but questions regarding her identity persisted. During a parliamentary briefing on October 29, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Njabulo Nzuza addressed the situation, revealing that both Adetshina and her mother had failed to respond to requests for clarification regarding their documents. As a result, the case has been escalated to the Hawks, South Africa's Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
“We’ve conducted our investigations and followed due process, providing her with an opportunity to present her case, which she did not take,” Deputy Minister Nzuza stated. The department has sent a formal notice to Adetshina and her mother, requesting justification for the validity of their identity and travel documents. With the deadline for their response having lapsed on Monday, Home Affairs Director-General Livhuwani Tommy Makhode confirmed that the documents will now be revoked.
Additionally, the case has garnered international attention, with Deputy Minister Nzuza indicating that Interpol is working with South African authorities to address any potential international implications related to the alleged fraud.
Despite these legal challenges in South Africa, Adetshina is scheduled to represent Nigeria in the upcoming Miss Universe finale in Mexico City next month, following her victory in the Miss Universe Nigeria competition.
No comments:
Post a Comment