Chidimma Adetshina, a 23-year-old law student and contestant in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant, has withdrawn from the competition following a nationality controversy and allegations of identity theft involving her mother.
Adetshina announced her decision on Instagram, citing concerns for her and her family’s safety and well-being.
The controversy began when questions about Adetshina’s South African citizenship sparked a social media storm.
Adetshina, who was born in Soweto and raised in Cape Town, explained in interviews that her father is Nigerian and her mother is a South African of Mozambican descent.
However, as the dispute escalated, the Miss South Africa pageant organizers requested an investigation by the Department of Home Affairs.
On Wednesday, the Department of Home Affairs revealed preliminary findings that suggest Adetshina’s mother may have committed “identity theft” to obtain South African citizenship.
The department stated that Adetshina, who was an infant at the time, could not have been involved in any illegal actions.
Further investigations are underway, with potential criminal charges being considered, along with legal advice on how the alleged fraudulent activity might impact Adetshina’s citizenship status.
In her Instagram post, Adetshina did not directly address the allegations but expressed her gratitude for the support she has received.
She also extended her best wishes to the remaining contestants, stating:
“Whoever wears the crown, represents us all.”
