Former Miss South Africa finalist and Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, is once again at the centre of a legal battle in South Africa after being arrested over allegations that she is residing in the country illegally. The beauty queen now faces possible deportation as the Department of Home Affairs continues legal proceedings against her.
Adetshina appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court on 9 June 2026 after immigration officials arrested her at her family’s home in Summer Greens, Cape Town. Following her appearance, the court released her on warning while her case continues. She is expected to return to court on 16 July 2026, when the matter will be heard again.
As part of her release conditions, Adetshina has been instructed to remain at the address where she was arrested unless she receives permission to relocate. She must also notify the investigating immigration officer of any changes to her residential address, employment status or travel plans while the case is ongoing.
Her latest legal troubles come months after her mother, Anabela Rungo, was arrested in 2025 for allegedly contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act and Identification Act. Authorities believe the two cases are connected, with investigators continuing to examine the family’s immigration records.
According to court documents submitted by immigration officer Adrian Jackson, officials conducted a status verification process before Adetshina’s arrest. The investigation allegedly found that she was living in South Africa with her young son without valid documentation authorising her stay in the country.
Jackson stated in his affidavit that checks conducted through the Department of Home Affairs’ immigration systems concluded that Adetshina did not possess lawful residential status and was therefore considered an illegal foreign national under South African immigration laws.
The Department of Home Affairs argues that Adetshina was declared a prohibited person on 19 December 2024 in terms of the Immigration Act. Authorities further allege that she later re-entered South Africa through the Lebombo Border Post from Mozambique despite the prohibition.
Home Affairs also claims that Adetshina attempted to obtain a South African visitor’s visa while in Nigeria after receiving a Nigerian passport in September 2024. However, the visa application was reportedly rejected after officials alleged that it contained a fraudulent bank statement.
According to Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, Adetshina was informed of the visa rejection but failed to appeal the department’s decision within the required period. Officials argue that her subsequent return to South Africa violated immigration regulations, forming the basis of the current deportation proceedings.
The case has reignited public interest in Adetshina’s immigration status, which first attracted national attention during the 2024 Miss South Africa competition. At the time, questions surrounding her citizenship and eligibility dominated public debate, eventually leading to her withdrawal from the pageant.
Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Adetshina has continued to maintain a public profile and has previously shared aspects of her life with supporters, including discussing the South African languages she speaks and those she finds difficult to use.
For now, her future in South Africa remains uncertain. The Cape Town Regional Court is expected to determine the next steps when proceedings resume in July, while the Department of Home Affairs continues to pursue its application to have her deported. Until then, Adetshina remains out on warning as both sides prepare for the next phase of the legal battle.
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