Anabela Rungo, the mother of Chidimma Adetshina, has been granted bail by a South African court but remains under house arrest due to her immigration status. The ruling was delivered on Wednesday by Magistrate Sadiqah Guendouz at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court, where Rungo was accused of violating South Africa’s immigration and identification laws.
Rungo, 46, was arrested on February 15 in the Summer Greens area of Cape Town. Authorities discovered that she had obtained South African citizenship through fraudulent means. As a result, her South African identification was revoked, making her presence in the country illegal. Despite being released on a bail of 10,000 rands (approximately 810,000 naira), her freedom remains restricted, as she will be confined to house arrest while her case continues.
Legal Battle and Bail Decision
During the hearing, Magistrate Guendouz highlighted a key issue surrounding Rungo’s case. She stated that whether Rungo remained in custody or was out on bail, her legal status in South Africa would not change. She pointed out that if Rungo stayed in custody, it would still be at the expense of South African taxpayers.
“The South African taxpayer should be wary that holding Ms. Rungo in custody while this matter is finalized still means that she will be in SA illegally,” Guendouz said. “It is the South African taxpayer who is responsible for her maintenance—putting a roof over her head and food in her stomach.”
Despite the controversy over her immigration status, the court decided that Rungo did not pose a direct threat to public safety or the ongoing legal proceedings. Her attorney, Ben Mathewson, argued that there was no evidence suggesting she would interfere with the investigation or commit acts of violence.
However, the prosecution, led by Jacques du Plessis, opposed her release, arguing that her freedom could disturb public order and that she was a flight risk. Du Plessis also made an attempt to remove Magistrate Guendouz from the case, accusing her of bias. The motion was based on remarks she made the previous week, criticizing the prosecution for presenting what she called a “half-baked” case despite knowing about it for months.
Guendouz rejected the prosecution’s claims, stating that the justice system must act fairly, regardless of public opinion on legal or illegal foreign nationals. She also pointed out that people who replace apartheid-era racism with xenophobic racism should not be allowed to influence judicial decisions.
Delays and Legal Controversies
The case against Rungo has faced several delays. The South African Department of Home Affairs had announced as early as August 2024 that there was a strong case against her. Despite this, the prosecution was still unprepared when the matter was brought before the court.
Last Friday, the prosecution asked for another postponement, claiming that they still needed to finalize closing arguments. This request angered Magistrate Guendouz, who accused the state of failing to handle the case properly.
“The state should have been better prepared,” she said. “Rungo has already been in custody for a while, and the delay is unfair to her.”
The delay in finalizing her case had put Rungo in a difficult position, as she remained detained without a clear resolution in sight. The magistrate’s frustration with the slow legal process ultimately contributed to her decision to grant bail.
A Case That Has Sparked Public Debate
The case of Anabela Rungo has gained widespread attention in South Africa, where issues of immigration and citizenship fraud remain hotly debated topics. Many South Africans have expressed concerns over illegal immigrants obtaining official documents through fraudulent means. Some argue that such cases put pressure on government services, while others believe that legal processes should be fair and not influenced by public outrage.
At the heart of this controversy is the issue of how South Africa handles individuals who have obtained citizenship fraudulently. The Department of Home Affairs has been cracking down on identity fraud in recent years, revoking documents and deporting those found guilty of illegal residency.
For Rungo, her legal troubles are far from over. Although she has been granted bail, she must now remain under house arrest while the court determines her fate. Authorities are expected to closely monitor her movements to ensure she does not attempt to flee.
Connections to Chidimma Adetshina’s Case
While Anabela Rungo’s case is primarily about immigration violations, it has also drawn attention due to her connection to her daughter, Chidimma Adetshina. Adetshina has been in the news in recent months for undisclosed legal matters, leading many to speculate whether the cases are somehow linked.
However, legal experts have stated that Rungo’s case stands independently from any issues her daughter may be facing. The court is solely focused on Rungo’s immigration status and the charges of identity fraud against her.
What Happens Next?
As the case moves forward, Rungo will have to comply with the conditions of her house arrest. This means she will not be able to move freely until the court reaches a final decision on her legal status in South Africa. If she is convicted, she could face deportation and a permanent ban from re-entering the country.
The prosecution is expected to continue pushing for a tougher stance against Rungo, while her defense team will argue for leniency. Legal analysts predict that the case could take months before a final judgment is made.
For now, Rungo’s future remains uncertain. Although she is no longer behind bars, her freedom is limited, and the question of her legal status in South Africa is still unresolved. As the legal battle continues, the case is likely to remain in the public eye, sparking further debate about immigration laws and identity fraud in the country.
