Chidimma Adetshina’s Mother Under Investigation for Alleged Identity Theft
On Monday, August 5, 2024, the organizers of the event sent a request to the Department to verify the citizenship of a contestant, Chidimma Adetshina. This request was accompanied by written consent from both Adetshina and her mother.
Upon receiving this request, the Department deployed every resource at its disposal to establish the truth. This has included archival research, visits to hospitals, and site visits to verify information.
From the information we have uncovered so far, the Department of Home Affairs can indicate that:
Prima facie reasons exist to believe that fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the person recorded in Home Affairs records as Chidimma Adetshina’s mother.
Adetshina could not have participated in the alleged unlawful actions of her mother, as she was an infant at the time when the activities took place in 2001;
An innocent South African mother, whose identity may have been stolen as part of the alleged fraud committed by Adetshina’s mother, suffered as a result because she could not register her child.
The department has expanded its investigation to identify and pursue any officials involved in the alleged fraudulent scheme. It is also seeking legal advice on the implications of the alleged fraudulent activity on Adetshina’s citizenship status.
Upon the completion of the investigation, Home Affairs intends to press criminal charges against all implicated parties.
There are ongoing engagements with all stakeholders, including Adetshina’s mother.
This case, which stems from alleged fraudulent activities committed 23 years ago, highlights the urgent need for the digital modernization of Home Affairs applications, adjudication, and verification processes to insulate the Department against fraudulent interference. This is similar to the reforms undertaken at the South African Revenue Service in the late 2000s.
The case also highlights the Department’s rationale for blocking certain duplicate IDs, emphasizing the need for caution in handling the court-ordered unblocking of these documents.
Throughout this process, Home Affairs is guided by our commitment to both restoring and upholding the rule of law as well as the rights of all parties.
Released Video
[MEDIA STATEMENT] Ongoing Home Affairs investigation finds Prima Facie indications of fraud committed by Chidimma Adetshina’s mother. #TeamHomeAffairs #DHAServiceDelivery @GCISMedia pic.twitter.com/X5Dy2fWjNW
— HomeAffairsSA (@HomeAffairsSA) August 7, 2024