Anabela Rungo, Mother of Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina, Faces Serious Legal Battle in Cape Town Over Identity Theft and Immigration Charges

 

Anabela Rungo, the mother of the renowned beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina—who won the titles of Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 and Miss Universe Africa and Oceania—found herself back in the spotlight on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, but this time for troubling legal reasons. Rungo appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates Court, facing serious allegations of identity theft and violating South Africa’s Immigration Act. The case has not only drawn media attention because of her daughter’s fame but also sparked intense public debate about immigration, justice, and legal fairness in South Africa.

Background: House Arrest and Bail

Anabela Rungo has been living under strict house arrest since February 2025. This followed her arrest for remaining in South Africa despite her identification documents having been revoked in September of the previous year. The legal battle has been ongoing, and the tension escalated when she was charged with fraudulently obtaining South African citizenship by allegedly using another woman’s identity. According to official claims, Rungo unlawfully secured citizenship, including obtaining a South African passport and ID, by assuming someone else’s identity—an accusation that carries heavy legal consequences.

Last week, the case saw a delay after important changes on both sides: the prosecution appointed a new prosecutor to handle the matter, and Rungo secured a new legal representative to replace her former lawyer. This postponement was to ensure that both parties had enough time to prepare for the next phase of the trial.

Today’s Court Appearance: What’s at Stake?

Rungo’s appearance in court on 14 May was primarily focused on the identity theft charges she faces. Her legal team is actively seeking to relax the stringent bail conditions that have been imposed on her, particularly the house arrest requirement. The original bail, granted by the Cape Town Magistrates Court in February 2025, set bail at R10,000 but came with the strict condition that Rungo remain under house arrest. The state opposed bail initially, arguing that she posed a flight risk, but the court allowed it regardless. Now, her lawyers are pushing to remove or ease these restrictions, arguing that the house arrest is excessively harsh and limits her freedom unduly while the case unfolds.

The outcome of this request, along with the progress of the fraud and immigration cases, remains a crucial focal point as the legal proceedings continue.

The Legal Allegations: Identity Theft and Immigration Violations

The Department of Home Affairs has taken a firm stance, alleging that Anabela Rungo stole the identity of a South African woman in order to fraudulently gain citizenship rights. This identity theft is said to include the unlawful acquisition of official South African documents, such as an ID and passport. The impact of this alleged crime reportedly dates back to 2001 and has caused significant harm to the victim whose identity was purportedly stolen.

Independent immigration lawyer Stefanie De Saude Darbandi, who has followed the case closely, explained the complexity of the legal issues involved:

“The courts are dealing with her fraud matter, while Home Affairs is responsible for addressing her immigration status.”

This means the case is twofold — one part focuses on the criminal fraud charges, and the other concerns her legal right to remain in South Africa. De Saude Darbandi further clarified:

“Home Affairs’ case against Mrs. Rungo is that she stole someone’s identity and acquired her citizenship status and citizen documents through fraudulent means.”

The Department of Home Affairs has officially designated Rungo a “prohibited person,” a legal classification used for individuals found in possession of fraudulent or illegally obtained identity documents. This status bars her from obtaining permanent residency in South Africa for the duration of the case, adding another layer of difficulty to her situation.

Despite these serious charges, there could be a glimmer of hope in her defense strategy. De Saude Darbandi pointed out an important detail:

“She wasn’t found; she agreed to this investigation,”

This suggests that Rungo has cooperated with authorities, which may play a role in how the courts view her case and could potentially work in her favor during the ongoing legal process.

Possible Consequences and Public Reaction

If convicted, the consequences for Anabela Rungo are severe. She risks imprisonment and deportation back to her home country, Mozambique. The Department of Home Affairs has already made it clear that she is barred from applying for permanent residency while the legal proceedings are unresolved, highlighting the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the matter.

The case has attracted considerable public attention, not least because of her daughter Chidimma Adetshina’s rising prominence in the beauty pageant world. Chidimma’s success as a Miss South Africa finalist, and later as Miss Universe Nigeria and Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, has put the family in the public eye, making this a story of both personal and national interest.

On social media and public forums, opinions about the case are divided. Some South Africans believe the justice system has been too lenient with Rungo, pointing to her bail and house arrest conditions as evidence that she has received special treatment. Others argue for compassion, citing the difficult circumstances faced by Rungo and her family.

The Investigation and Its Impact

The charges against Anabela Rungo arose from a detailed investigation by South African authorities that revealed her alleged use of stolen identity documents. The victim of this identity theft has reportedly suffered since 2001, highlighting how long and deeply such crimes can affect innocent individuals. This long-standing case emphasizes the importance of safeguarding identities and the legal consequences of attempting to bypass immigration laws through fraudulent means.

This detailed overview brings to light the legal complexities, personal drama, and public controversies surrounding Anabela Rungo’s case. As the court proceedings continue, NaijaRush will keep you updated on every important development in this ongoing story that mixes law, identity, and the high-profile lives of Nigeria’s rising stars.