Anabela Rungo, the mother of Miss Nigeria 2024, has found herself in the public eye once again, this time for serious charges related to identity theft.
Rungo was arrested over the weekend in Summer Greens, Cape Town, following the discovery that she had fraudulently obtained documents to secure citizenship.
The Case Against Anabela Rungo
Rungo, who appeared in Cape Town Magistrates Court for her bail hearing on Friday, is facing accusations of identity theft.
Immigration officer Adrian Jackson provided details in court, revealing that Rungo had violated both immigration laws and the Identification Act. This all came to light after she ignored a notice sent to her in September 2024, informing her that her ID number was being canceled.
The notice offered her the chance to contest the decision, but she did not respond.
Rungo’s crime dates back to 2001, when she unlawfully acquired her documents by assuming the identity of someone else.
Home Affairs confirmed that Rungo applied for an ID under the name Sara Moyo.
When efforts were made to contact her regarding the cancellation of her ID, they had no success in locating her, so communication was sent via WhatsApp.
Rungo’s Defense: Maintaining Her Innocence
Despite the evidence against her, Rungo maintains her innocence.
In her defense, she told TimesLive, “I believe I am innocent and will be acquitted.”
She further insisted that her release would not disrupt public peace.
However, the court learned that even after her documents were seized, Rungo continued to travel internationally, possibly using a Mozambican passport.
How Rungo’s Actions Impacted Chidimma’s Life
This scandal has had a ripple effect on her daughter, Chidimma, a former Miss South Africa contestant.
Chidimma had to withdraw from the competition last year in August after it was revealed that her mother’s involvement in identity theft might have contributed to her acquiring South African citizenship.
As a result, a South African woman whose identity may have been stolen has been unable to register her child, further complicating the situation.
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