The case involving former Miss South Africa contestant and Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, has been postponed to August 19 in the Cape Town Regional Court. She appeared in court on Monday, July 20, 2026 to challenge the Department of Home Affairs' decision to deport her.
Background of the Case
Adetshina was arrested in Cape Town last month for allegedly being in the country illegally. The matter was postponed for judgment by Presiding Magistrate Reema Khorana after extensive arguments by the lawyers of the Department of Home Affairs detailing reasons why Adetshina should be deported to her home country.
The state submitted that several issues need to be considered regarding the conduct of the proceedings. Although the defense cited measures taken by Adetshina to legalize her status in the country, the state argued that she does not have the necessary paperwork, and therefore detention and deportation are deemed fit.
Citizenship and Passport Issues
The state also submitted that Adetshina still holds a South African passport and has refused to hand it over. The court heard that she also holds Nigerian citizenship. The defense argued that there are reasonable ways to deal with the matter, including that Adetshina report to her immigration officer every fortnight.
Adetshina was born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother. She initially contested for the Miss South Africa 2024 crown before withdrawing amid controversy surrounding her family's citizenship status.
Previous Controversy and Miss Universe Nigeria
Her withdrawal followed an investigation by South African authorities into allegations concerning her mother's identity and citizenship documentation. The controversy sparked widespread social media attacks directed at Adetshina because of her Nigerian heritage, despite the fact that she was born in South Africa and had met the eligibility requirements for the beauty pageant.
In August 2024, the South African government stated that Adetshina's mother, at the time the contestant was a finalist in Miss South Africa, may have been involved in identity theft. Adetshina later accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant and emerged as the winner, earning the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the global Miss Universe competition.
Miss Universe 2024 Achievement
At the 73rd Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico City, Adetshina finished as the first runner-up and was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. The case continues to draw attention as the court deliberates on her immigration status.
