The South African Department of Home Affairs recently investigated the citizenship of Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa contestant, uncovering alleged identity fraud related to her mother. In the 1990s, Adetshina’s mother reportedly obtained a South African ID using fraudulent means, which allowed her to register Chidimma as her child.

Records now indicate that the real ID owner, a South African woman, faced obstacles when trying to register her own child due to this identity theft. The ongoing investigation has identified two Home Affairs officials who may have been involved, while a third involved official has since passed away. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, is now handling the case. Home Affairs is deliberating potential criminal charges and may eventually cancel the fraudulent ID that underpins Adetshina’s citizenship status.