By Rorisang Modiba
The Department of Home Affairs is investigating claims that Chidimma Adetshina’s mother made herself guilty of identity theft by stealing someone’s identity.
Chidimma, being a baby in 2001, could not have been involved in the suspected fraud.
On Wednesday night, it was found that there are strong reasons to believe that fraud and identity theft might have been committed by the person recorded as Chidimma Adetshina’s mother in Home Affairs records.
The department said: “An innocent South African mother, whose identity may have been stolen as part of the alleged fraud, suffered because she could not register her child.”
Chidimma’s participation in the Miss SA pageant caused controversy due to her Nigerian father, although some argue that her South African birth makes her a legitimate citizen.
The department checked old records and visited places to verify the information.
They are also looking into any officials involved and are getting legal advice on what this means for Chidimma’s citizenship.
Criminal charges are expected against all involved once the investigation is complete.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said there is a need for digital updates to prevent such fraud and spoke about the importance of handling duplicate IDs carefully.
Pictured above: Chidimma Adetshina.
Source: Instagram
