Prima facie evidence that Chidimma Adetshina's mother may have ...

JOHANNESBURG - The Home Affairs Department said that was found prima facie evidence of fraud and identity theft that may have been committed by the mother of a Miss South Africa contestant. 
 
The department said an investigation was underway to probe the nationality of Chidimma Adetshina, who is said to be of Nigerian and Mozambican heritage but born in South Africa to parents who both have South African residency status.
 
In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the department said it started its investigation to clarify Adetshina's status after receiving consent from Adetshina and her mother.
 
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber: "From the information we have uncovered thus 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 herself could not have participated in the alleged unlawful actions of her mother as she was an infant at the time the activities took place in 2001. An innocent South African mother, whose identity may have been stolen as part of the alleged fraud, suffered as a result because she could not register her child."
 
The department said it had broadened its probe to identify and pursue any officials involved in the alleged fraudulent scheme.