March and March supporters gather outside court as Chidimma Adetshina awaits deportation ruling

The legal battle surrounding former Miss South Africa contestant Chidimma Adetshina reached a fever pitch on Wednesday. Supporters of the March and March movement flooded the area outside the Cape Town Regional Court, chanting slogans and calling for her immediate exit from South Africa.

Inside the courtroom, the focus remained on whether Adetshina should be placed in detention. The Department of Home Affairs is currently pushing for her to be held while they finalize the process of deporting her from the country.

Identity and Immigration Struggles

Adetshina’s legal woes began earlier this year following her arrest at her Summer Greens residence. At the time of the police action, she was with her minor child. Officials have alleged that system audits prove neither she nor her son possess the necessary legal permits to reside in South Africa.

This case follows the 2024 scandal that saw Adetshina exit the Miss South Africa pageant after her nationality was called into question. Investigations eventually led to the cancellation of her South African identity documents, while her mother faced separate charges related to ID fraud and immigration violations.

Global Success Amid Domestic Turmoil

Despite the controversy at home, Adetshina found success on the international stage. After leaving the local pageant, she represented Nigeria at Miss Universe, where she achieved a historic finish as the first runner-up.

However, her return to South African soil has sparked fresh outrage. March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has been vocal on social media, questioning how Adetshina was allowed back into the country following reports that she had been banned by Home Affairs.

The Road to Deportation

After her initial court appearance, Adetshina was released on the condition that she stay at a verified address. The government is now asking the court for the authority to keep her in custody until she can be formally removed from the Republic.