Chidimma Adetshina's mother prohibited from applying for permanent SA residency

CAPE TOWN - Former Miss South Africa finalist Chidimma Adetshina's mother has been prohibited from applying for permanent residency in South Africa.

Anabela Rungo appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where she was granted bail.

She was arrested earlier in February on charges of identity fraud and violating the Immigration Act.

Rungo, a Mozambican national, used stolen documents of a South African woman to register herself as a citizen.

Her identity came under scrutiny in 2024 when her daughter's nationality was called into question during her participation in the Miss SA pageant.

Rungo emerged from the holding cells wearing a tracksuit and a scarf wrapped around her head.

She stared straight ahead, not once looking to the back of the courtroom.

The State began by reminding the court that it would oppose her bail application.

Among the list of reasons, the prosecutor stated that she would be an illegal immigrant and that she’s a flight risk.

But Magistrate Sadiqah Guendouz responded, saying whether Rungo was behind bars or not, her immigration status would remain the same.

Rungo was granted R10,000 bail but with strict conditions.

She will remain under house arrest and is only allowed to leave her home to see her lawyers.

Rungo has also been prohibited from applying for residency permits. She can’t visit or send anyone to an embassy on her behalf.

The court also indicated that immigration officers could visit her at home unannounced.

She’s expected back in court on 8 May.