CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Chidimma Adetshina, the former Miss Universe Nigeria, appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court on Thursday as South African authorities pressed ahead with deportation proceedings against her for allegedly residing in the country illegally.
The 25-year-old beauty queen, who was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, was arrested on June 6 in the Summer Greens area of Cape Town. She made her first court appearance on June 9 and was released on warning pending the outcome of the case.
During Thursday’s hearing, which was conducted behind closed doors, Adetshina submitted an affidavit outlining the steps she claims to have taken to regularise her immigration status in South Africa. The affidavit forms a key part of her defence against the Department of Home Affairs’ push for her removal.
The Department of Home Affairs alleges that Adetshina and her minor son are living in South Africa without lawful immigration status. Immigration officer Adrian Jackson stated in court papers that she “does not hold any lawful RSA residential status” and has “wilfully and intentionally remained resident unlawfully” in violation of the Immigration Act.
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber had previously dismissed Adetshina’s application for a review of the department’s refusal to grant her a letter of good cause. He alleged that Adetshina obtained a Nigerian passport, applied for a South African visitor’s visa, and was declared a prohibited person on December 19, 2024. According to Schreiber, she later re-entered South Africa through the Lebombo border post from Mozambique while presenting herself as a South African citizen.
The case stems from the controversy surrounding her participation in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant. Following her withdrawal from the competition amid questions over her citizenship, Adetshina accepted an invitation to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria, which she won. She went on to represent Nigeria at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico, finishing as first runner-up and earning the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
No final deportation order or new court date had been announced as of the time of filing this report. The outcome of the case will determine whether Adetshina is permitted to remain in South Africa or faces deportation.
