The Department of Home Affairs has announced that there are sufficient grounds to suspect fraud and identity theft related to the identity of Chidimma Adetshina’s mother, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
The investigation into Adetshina’s citizenship status comes after concerns were raised regarding the legitimacy of her records, particularly in connection with her mother’s actions back in 2001. The department confirmed that preliminary findings suggest Adetshina was an infant at the time and could not have been involved in her mother’s alleged fraudulent activities.
The department explained that an innocent South African mother may have had her identity stolen as part of the scheme, leading to her inability to register her child at the time. “This has caused harm to the mother, who could not properly register her child due to the fraudulent actions,” said the department.
The investigation has been expanded to identify any officials who may have been involved in the alleged fraud. Legal advice is also being sought to determine the impact of the alleged fraud on Adetshina’s citizenship status.
Once the investigation is concluded, Home Affairs intends to pursue criminal charges against anyone found to be involved in the scheme.
The department provided the update following a formal request from the Miss South Africa organization, which asked for verification of Adetshina’s citizenship. Both Adetshina and her mother gave their consent for the investigation to proceed.
In response to the request, the Department of Home Affairs has committed all necessary resources to verify the facts. This has included conducting archival research, visiting hospitals, and verifying on-site information.
The department’s ongoing engagement with all relevant stakeholders, including Adetshina’s mother, continues as part of this thorough investigation.
This case, which stems from alleged fraudulent activities committed over 20 years ago, underscores the pressing need for digital modernization within the Home Affairs department. Such reforms could help prevent fraudulent interference in the future, similar to the changes made at South African Revenue Service (SARS) in the late 2000s.
The department has promised to provide a final update once the investigation is completed.
