Anabela Rungo, mother of Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chidimma Adetshina, appeared before the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, facing serious charges of identity theft and violation of South Africa’s Immigration Act.
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Rungo, a Mozambican national, is accused of fraudulently obtaining South African citizenship by stealing another woman’s identity—an allegation that has sparked legal controversy and public debate. Her case has garnered heightened media attention due to her high-profile daughter, Chidimma, who is a Miss Universe Nigeria titleholder and former Miss South Africa finalist.
Rungo has been under strict house arrest since her arrest in February 2025. Her return to court today follows a week-long delay caused by the appointment of a new state prosecutor and her decision to hire new legal representation. The court proceedings today focused on the charges of identity theft and her legal team’s motion to ease the conditions of her bail.
The Cape Town court had previously granted Rungo bail in the sum of R10,000, despite opposition from the state, which argued she posed a flight risk. Her bail terms include house arrest, a condition her lawyers are now challenging as overly restrictive.
“The current bail terms are too stringent for our client, especially considering her full cooperation with authorities,” her legal counsel argued in court.
The Department of Home Affairs alleges that Rungo fraudulently acquired South African citizenship by assuming another woman’s identity, using it to obtain official documents such as a South African ID and passport. The department has since revoked her citizenship and declared her a “prohibited person,” barring her from applying for permanent residency while the case remains unresolved.
Independent immigration lawyer Stefanie De Saude Darbandi clarified the scope of the legal proceedings, explaining that the matter has both criminal and immigration dimensions.
“The courts are handling the fraud charges, while Home Affairs is pursuing the immigration violations,” she said. “Home Affairs alleges that Mrs. Rungo obtained her documents through fraudulent means, which is grounds for the withdrawal of her citizenship.”
De Saude Darbandi, however, noted a nuance that could form the basis of Rungo’s defence, highlighting her cooperation with investigators.
“She wasn’t forcibly discovered; she voluntarily agreed to the investigation. That level of cooperation may factor into how the case proceeds,” she added.
Rungo’s legal troubles have stirred a wide range of reactions, particularly on social media, where public opinion remains sharply divided. Some South Africans have criticized the justice system for being too lenient, pointing to the granting of bail as an example. Others have called for empathy, citing her family’s public profile and personal circumstances.
Her daughter, Chidimma Adetshina, rose to fame after competing in Miss South Africa, eventually winning Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 and being crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. The family’s sudden public scrutiny has added emotional weight to the legal proceedings.
If convicted, Rungo could face imprisonment and deportation to Mozambique. The Department of Home Affairs claims the identity theft dates back to 2001 and has had lasting impacts on the true holder of the stolen identity.
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