immigration-related charges out on bail (Marvin Charles/News24)
On Wednesday afternoon, the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court granted bail to Anabela Rungo, the mother of former Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina, who is facing immigration-related charges. Rungo was released under strict bail conditions following her arrest earlier this month.
Magistrate Sadiqah Guendouz set Rungo’s bail at R10,000, imposing severe restrictions, including house arrest. She is only allowed to leave her residence for essential purposes, such as attending court proceedings or consulting with her legal team.
In delivering her ruling, Magistrate Guendouz stated that Rungo remains in violation of South Africa’s immigration laws.
“Whether she is in custody or out on bail, the fact remains she is in the country illegally,” she said, affirming the seriousness of the case.
Immigration officials and law enforcement will closely watch her movements. The court warned that breaking these conditions could lead to her immediate re-arrest.
Magistrate Guendouz criticized the prosecution for what she called a “half-baked case,” saying the investigation was missing key evidence.
Rungo was arrested on February 15, 2025, after authorities found that she had obtained her South African identity documents fraudulently. The Department of Home Affairs had revoked these documents in September 2024, but she continued to stay in the country using a Mozambican passport.
During the bail hearing, Adrian Jackson, an officer from the Immigration Specialised Investigation Unit, testified that Rungo failed to provide legitimate documents when asked. Instead, she allegedly claimed that she had “misplaced” her papers.
The prosecution claimed that Rungo had lived in South Africa for years under false pretenses, violating immigration laws. However, her defense attorney argued that the state had no clear proof of criminal intent, insisting that she had followed previous regulations.
Rungo’s case has attracted a lot of media attention, partly because of her daughter, Chidimma Adetshina, a former beauty queen known for past public controversies.
Human rights organizations have urged a fair and transparent investigation, while South Africans on social media debate whether authorities are treating her fairly or too harshly.
Speaking in court, Rungo maintained her innocence, saying “I believe I am innocent and will be acquitted. My release will not undermine public peace.”
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The court has postponed the case to May 8, 2025, to allow for further investigations. Until then, Rungo must adhere to all bail conditions while awaiting trial.
