Chidimma Adetshina Alleges Unfair Targeting in South African Deportation Case

Former Miss South Africa contestant and current Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 titleholder, Chidimma Adetshina, has voiced concerns about being unfairly targeted and treated in South Africa. Her remarks came after the Cape Town Regional Court adjourned her legal challenge concerning a potential deportation and ongoing detention.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, following the court's decision to postpone the hearing, Adetshina took the opportunity to remind the public that she was born within South Africa's borders. The beauty queen affirmed her trust in the South African judicial system, stating her intention to pursue the matter diligently through established legal channels.

"Firstly, I would like to say that I am grateful that I once again have been able to get an opportunity to have my faith in our courts, and I remind everyone that I was born in South Africa,” she stated. Adetshina emphasized that she has formally applied through appropriate legal avenues to have her status and citizenship officially determined.

She further expressed, “I believe that I have been treated unfairly and targeted and there has been an attempt to make me an example, but my message is not going to be one out of anger. South Africa is government by the rule of law and we should not allow xenophobia and misinformation to determine how people are going to be treated. We should all be guided by the spirit of Ubuntu. Throughout this ordeal, I have availed myself through all appropriate legal resource and I will continue to respect and abide by each process."

The Cape Town Regional Court, in its ruling, clarified that it lacks the jurisdiction to confirm her detention while the substantive case awaits hearing at the Western Cape High Court. The legal proceedings have now been pushed forward, with the next hearing scheduled for February 2027.