The mother of former Miss South Africa finalist, Chidimma Adetshina, has been prohibited from applying for permanent residency in South Africa.
Anabela Rungo, a Mozambican national, appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates Court on Wednesday, facing charges of identity fraud and violating the Immigration Act. She was granted bail set at R10,000 but must adhere to strict conditions.
Rungo was arrested in February for using the stolen documents of a South African citizen to register herself as a local resident. Her identity came under scrutiny in 2024 when her daughter’s nationality was questioned during her participation in the Miss SA pageant.
Wearing a tracksuit and a headscarf, Rungo stood in the dock without turning to look at the gallery. Although the prosecution argued she posed a flight risk and opposed her release, Magistrate Sadiqah Guendouz noted that Rungo’s immigration status would remain the same whether she was detained or not.
As part of her bail conditions, Rungo will be under house arrest and may only leave her home to consult with her lawyers. She is forbidden from applying for residency permits or having anyone do so on her behalf, and immigration officers may conduct unannounced visits to verify compliance.
Rungo is due back in court on 8 May.
