The South African government has placed strict bail conditions on Anabela Rungo, the mother of Chidimma Adetshina, the current Ms. Universe Africa and Oceania. The authorities have also prohibited her from applying for permanent residency in the country.
Rungo, a Mozambican national, was arrested the week before last on charges of identity fraud and violating South Africa’s immigration laws.
According to the South African government, Rungo had been residing in the country after her legal documentation was revoked in September 2024 due to allegations that she fraudulently obtained her identity documents.
“The Department of Home Affairs revoked Rungo’s South African documentation in September 2024 after it was discovered that she had obtained it through fraudulent means, making her ineligible to stay in South Africa,” explained Siya Qoza, spokesperson for Home Affairs.
Despite the revocation, Rungo continued to live in the country under the status of an “undesirable” resident, allegedly using her Mozambican passport to do so.
At her initial court appearance last week, her bail application was denied on the grounds that granting bail could undermine public peace. However, at a subsequent hearing yesterday, the court granted her R10,000 bail and imposed house arrest.
Under the new conditions, Rungo is not permitted to leave her residence, except for consultations with her legal representatives.
She is also prohibited from applying for any residency permits, either personally or through a representative, and immigration officers are authorized to conduct unannounced visits to ensure compliance.
While the prosecution argued that Rungo posed a flight risk, Magistrate Sadiqah Guendouz emphasized that her immigration status would remain unchanged regardless of her detention.
In delivering her ruling, Magistrate Guendouz stated: “Rungo will be placed under house arrest and may only leave her home to meet with her attorneys. She is barred from applying for residency or having anyone apply on her behalf. Immigration officers are permitted to visit her residence without prior notice to ensure she is complying with these terms.”
Rungo has continued to maintain her innocence, claiming that her right to a fair hearing is being violated by the authorities.
The case gained significant attention following controversy surrounding her daughter, Chidimma Adetshina, during the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant. Adetshina was initially deemed ineligible to participate because she was not a South African citizen. She later withdrew from the competition after facing online harassment.
However, Adetshina went on to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, where she was crowned first runner-up and later went on to win the Miss Universe Africa and Oceania titles.
Rungo is scheduled to return to court on May 8, 2025.
