The saga over Miss SA contestant Chidimma Adetshina’s nationality took another turn on Wednesday after the Department of Home Affairs found that the person recorded as her mother may have committed fraud.

In a statement, the department said it had uncovered that prima facie reasons existed to believe that fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the person recorded in Home Affairs records as Adetsina’s mother; “Adetshina could not have participated in the alleged illegal actions of her mother as she was an infant when the activities took place in 2001.

An innocent South African mother whose identity may have been stolen as part of the alleged fraud perpetrated by Adetsina’s mother suffered as a result of not being able to register her child,” the department said.

This comes after Miss SA organisers approached the department with a request to verify Adetshina’s citizenship.

That request was accompanied by written permission from both Adetshina and her mother, according to the department.

More on this

Home Affairs explains Miss SA contestant saga

Upon receiving this request, the department said it has deployed every resource at its disposal to establish the truth, including examining archival research, visits to hospitals and site visits to verify information.

“The department has expanded its investigation to identify and pursue any officials involved in the alleged fraudulent scheme, and is seeking legal advice on the implications of the alleged fraudulent activities on Adetshina’s citizenship status.

“After the conclusion of the investigation, Home Affairs intends to bring criminal charges against all implicated parties. There are ongoing engagements with all stakeholders, including Adetsina’s mother,” the department said.

Adetshina’s father was ostensibly Nigerian while the 23-year-old’s mother was believed to be from Mozambique.

Her nationality has led to a debate about her suitability to participate in the Miss South Africa pageant because her father is Nigerian.

“This case, stemming from alleged fraudulent activities committed 23 years ago, highlights the urgent need for digital modernisation of Home Affairs applications, adjudication and verification processes, to insulate the department from fraudulent interference, similar to the reforms introduced by the South African Revenue Service in the late 2000s.

The case also highlights the reason for the department’s blocking of certain duplicate IDs, and that the court order unblocking of these documents should be treated with caution,” the department said.

“Through this process, Home Affairs is guided by our commitment to restoring and upholding the rule of law as well as the rights of all parties.”

SOURCE:Miss SA nationality saga indicates potential fraud – Home Affairs – People’s Power News (volkskrag.co.za)