Anabela Rungo, the mother of Nigerian beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina, has been arrested by the South African authorities for alleged illegal residency in the country.

The Department of Home Affairs issued a notice of detention on February 15, 2025, which was promptly enforced by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Siya Qoza, spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs, confirmed that investigations are underway into alleged “misrepresentation and fraudulent activities” linked to Rungo’s citizenship status.

Rungo’s South African residency documents were revoked in September 2024 due to suspicions of identity fraud related to her citizenship application. As a result, she was declared ineligible to reside in the country.

Despite the revocation, Rungo allegedly continued residing in Cape Town using a Mozambican passport and living with her daughter Chidimma’s sibling.

Siya Qoza stated, “Investigations are ongoing, and we are determined to address any unlawful activity regarding Ms. Rungo’s residency status.”

Meanwhile, Chidimma Adetshina, who has been an inspiration in the beauty pageantry world, faced ongoing challenges related to her identity, especially due to her Nigerian roots.

“Chidimma’s struggle with her identity began when she first competed in South Africa. Her name, which is distinctly Nigerian, led to initial rejection. But this only fueled her desire to succeed,” a close source revealed.

In 2024, Chidimma defied the odds by winning Miss Nigeria 2024 and later became Miss Universe 1st Runner-Up, as well as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, representing all African women on the global stage.

The arrest of her mother has added a new layer of complexity to Chidimma’s already inspiring journey, with many wondering how the legal situation will affect her rising career.