Chidimma Adetshina Fights Deportation in Cape Town Court After Arrest

Former Miss Universe Nigeria and Miss Universe first runner-up Chidimma Adetshina is locked in a high legal battle to avoid deportation from South Africa. The 25-year-old beauty queen returned to the Cape Town Regional Court on Thursday, July 16, 2026, where her legal team is contesting efforts by the Department of Home Affairs to deport her and her minor son.

Adetshina was arrested on June 6, 2026, in the Summer Greens area of Cape Town. Following her initial court appearance on June 9, she was released on a warning under strict conditions, including staying at her registered address and notifying immigration authorities of any changes to her residence or employment.

The Department of Home Affairs alleges that Adetshina is residing in South Africa illegally. The state's case, outlined in an affidavit by immigration officer Adrian Jackson, hinges on several critical assertions:

Authorities state Adetshina was officially declared a "prohibited person" on December 19, 2024, stripping her of any legal basis to stay or apply for a visa.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber stated that after being declared prohibited, she allegedly re-entered South Africa from Mozambique through the Lebombo border post by presenting herself as a South African citizen. The state claims that following physical tracking and IT database checks, neither Adetshina nor her minor son holds any lawful residential status in South Africa.

During the July 16 court proceedings, Adetshina’s legal team filed an affidavit detailing the steps she has taken to try and regularize her immigration status in the country. Her lawyers are challenging her detention and the ongoing deportation procedures, arguing for her right to remain while her status is being legally resolved.

After reaching the finals of the Miss South Africa pageant, questions regarding her mother's citizenship status prompted her withdrawal from the competition. She subsequently represented Nigeria, winning the national crown and eventually placing second overall at the global Miss Universe pageant.

The Cape Town Regional Court has postponed the matter to Monday to allow the state to submit its responding affidavits to her defense.

Do you think South Africa's Department of Home Affairs is being overly harsh in pursuing deportation, or are they justified in enforcing their immigration laws? Share your comments below!

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