Former Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, has expressed deep frustration and exhaustion but affirmed her determination not to give up after her deportation case was postponed to August 19. The Cape Town Regional Court heard the matter on Monday, July 20, 2026, with the submission of responding affidavits. Adetshina had previously submitted a statement detailing her efforts to regularise her immigration status.
Prosecution Alleges Undocumented Status
Prosecutors argued that Adetshina is an undocumented foreign national and urged the court to detain her pending deportation. They alleged that she obtained Nigerian passports for herself and her child in Lagos, secured a South African visa, and entered the country via Mozambique. Additionally, the state claimed she still holds a South African passport and has refused to surrender it.
Defense Rejects Allegations
Adetshina’s legal team rejected the allegations, asserting that she was born in South Africa and has no significant ties to Nigeria. They contended that the Department of Home Affairs failed to conduct a fair investigation before invalidating her documents and maintained she is not a flight risk. Her lawyers noted that her citizenship is already the subject of a separate high court challenge.
Magistrate Encourages Settlement
Magistrate Reema Khorana encouraged both sides to resolve the matter out of court, but no agreement was reached. Khorana reserved judgment on whether Adetshina should be detained pending deportation until August 19.
Adetshina Speaks Out
Taking to social media, Adetshina wrote: “Exhausted -Yes, Burnt out -Yes, Depressed – Yes, Will I give up, No!” She has consistently maintained her innocence and her right to remain in South Africa.
