Chidimma Adetshina's deportation case postponed once more

Ask AI 1minChidimma Adetshina outside the Cape Town Regional Court.

The Cape Town Regional Court has postponed its judgment on the immigration status of Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa finalist and Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, for the second time.

Adetshina appeared in court on Wednesday, seeking to prevent her detention while her deportation case is ongoing.

The case, which began as a dispute over her citizenship and eligibility to participate in Miss South Africa, has expanded into a significant legal battle involving immigration law, detention powers, and the rights of individuals whose identity documents are in question.

According to the State, Adetshina has no valid legal status in South Africa. However, her legal counsel argues that she has deep ties to South Africa and stated her status can be regularised, given that she was born here.

The Department of Home Affairs is seeking confirmation of Adetshina’s detention for deportation.

The Department insists Adetshina is not lawfully in South Africa and wants legal authority to detain her while deportation proceedings continue.

Home Affairs previously stated that her South African identity documents were withdrawn following an investigation into alleged irregularities involving documents linked to her and her mother. Officials have argued that she does not have a valid basis to remain in the country.

The Department later said it had found prima facie indications of fraud and identity theft involving her mother’s documentation.

Home Affairs stressed that Adetshina was a child at the time and could not have been involved in any alleged wrongdoing.

Judgment in the matter will now be heard on February 27, 2027.