Ex-Miss Universe Chidimma Adetshina faces fresh deportation battle in South Africa

South Africa has initiated the formal deportation process against Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss Universe Nigeria contestant and model, following her arrest in June for allegedly residing in the country illegally. The move comes amid ongoing legal challenges surrounding her immigration status and citizenship claims. Adetshina, who was born in Soweto to a Nigerian Igbo father and a Mozambican mother, has been under public scrutiny since her participation in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, where her Nigerian heritage stirred controversy and backlash among some participants and supporters.

Adetshina had previously competed in the Miss South Africa 2024 contest, advancing to the Top 30 before facing significant criticism over her eligibility. Despite the controversy, she was later invited by the organizers of Miss Universe Nigeria to represent Taraba State, ultimately winning the title and representing Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant held in Mexico. However, her legal troubles began to escalate in early 2024 when the South African Department of Home Affairs started scrutinizing her immigration status more closely.

On 9 June, Adetshina appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court after being arrested in the area known as Summer Greens. According to reports, she was released on a warning and must return to court on 16 July as the deportation process continues. The court's decision came after immigration officials presented evidence suggesting that Adetshina and her minor son had been living in South Africa without proper documentation.

The case was brought forward by immigration officer Adrian Jackson, who detailed how the Department of Home Affairs' Central Law Enforcement Unit tracked down Adetshina's location. He claimed that during an interview and system check, it was determined that Adetshina did not possess any valid South African residential status. Jackson argued that her presence in the country violated the Immigration Act 13 of 2022, emphasizing the need for her deportation back to her country of origin.

Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber had previously denied Adetshina's request for a review of the department's decision to reject her and her son's application for a letter of good cause. In his written submission, Schreiber outlined that Adetshina had been informed in September 2024 about the department's intent to revoke her South African identity documents and those of her son. She obtained a Nigerian passport while in Nigeria and attempted to apply for a South African visitor's visa, but her application was rejected due to a fraudulent bank statement. Adetshina did not appeal the rejection.

Schreiber also indicated that Adetshina was later classified as a prohibited person on 19 December 2024. This classification means she is ineligible for any visa or permit to stay in South Africa. According to the minister, Adetshina re-entered the country through the Lebombo border post from Mozambique on 15 June 2024, claiming to be a South African citizen. Her attempt to obtain a letter of good cause was unsuccessful, as she failed to meet the criteria set forth in the Immigration Regulation 30(1).

The minister also rejected the immigration request concerning Adetshina's son, stating that the child's legal status is directly tied to his mother's. Given the rejection of the primary applicant's request due to her prohibited status and the use of fraudulent documentation, the minor child lacks an independent basis to remain in South Africa.

Following her first court appearance, the Cape Town Regional Court allowed Adetshina to be released on warning, with the case scheduled to resume on 16 July. As part of her bail conditions, she was required to remain at the address where she was arrested and to notify the investigating immigration officer of any changes to her residence, employment status, or movements while the case is ongoing. This marks a critical phase in the legal proceedings against her, as the deportation process moves forward.