Mother’s Fraud Allegations Ends Chidimma’s Miss South Africa Bid.

By Timilehin Ajibade

Chidimma Adetshina has withdrawn from the Miss South Africa race amid controversy surrounding her nationality following the revelation that her mother was allegedly involved in identity theft.

South African Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said that there are “prima facie indications” that Adetshina’s mother may have committed fraud by stealing the identity of a South African woman, resulting in harm to the innocent victim, who was unable to register her child. Schreiber clarified that Adetshina was an infant during the alleged illegal actions.

The official crowning of Miss SA is scheduled for August 10.

The 23-year-old emerged as a central figure in the country’s xenophobia debate and discussions on national identity after advancing to the Top 30 and becoming a finalist in the Miss SA competition.

She gave in on Thursday morning, weeks after South Africans called for her disqualification over issues related to her nationality.

According to information on the Miss South Africa organisation’s website, Ms Adetshina was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambique mother and is now a naturalised South African.

“…After much careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and well-being of my family and me.” Ms Adetshina said.