By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The South African Department of Home Affairs yesterday confirmed the arrest of Ms. Anabela Rungo, the mother of Miss Nigeria 2025, Chidimma Adetshina.
Rungo was taken into custody during a joint operation with the Counter Corruption and Immigration Services branches in Cape Town.
According to Home Affairs officials, Rungo faced severe charges, including fraud and breaching the Immigration Act.
Her South African documentation was revoked in September 2024 after it was discovered that it had been fraudulently obtained, rendering her ineligible to reside in the country.
Despite this, Rungo allegedly continued living in South Africa using a Mozambican passport, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law.
The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that Rungo will be handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation, as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation looks into her case.
To ensure the safety and well-being of Rungo’s underage child, the Department of Home Affairs is collaborating with the Department of Social Development and the SAPS Child Protection Unit.
The arrest of Rungo comes after a prolonged period of pressure from the South African public, primarily from black South Africans, who have been calling for action against those who abuse the country’s immigration laws.
In response to the news, many South Africans took to social media to express their relief and satisfaction at the turn of events.