South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs is revoking the citizenship and travel documents of Chidimma Adetshina, a former finalist in the Miss South Africa pageant, and her mother, who was born in Mozambique. This action follows the conclusion of an investigation into potential fraud involving their identity documents. The case has now been passed to the Hawks, a specialized crime-fighting unit, to determine if any fraud charges are warranted.

The decision to revoke their citizenship came after the Adetshinas failed to meet a deadline to explain why their South African documents should remain valid. According to Tommy Makhode, the Director-General of Home Affairs, officials attempted to locate Chidimma’s mother at a property linked to her but were unsuccessful.

Adding to the mystery, it remains unclear how Chidimma’s mother was able to travel to Nigeria last month to support her daughter at the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, where Chidimma emerged as the winner. Social media posts from the event confirmed her attendance, but officials have been unable to trace the passport she used to travel from Mozambique to South Africa and then to Nigeria.

This situation raises many questions about travel documentation and the processes in place to verify identity in South Africa.