Chidimma Adetshina, a Miss South Africa contestant, has withdrawn from the competition.

She said she withdrew for the safety and wellbeing of herself and family.

The South Africa’s national beauty pageant has been enmeshed in controversy after the government accused Chidimma’s mother of fraud and identity theft.

Consequently, Chidimma, 23, has been the subject of hostile, xenophobic attacks on social media after she was announced as a finalist in the competition in July.

Many had questioned her credentials, including cabinet ministers.

The controversy the issue generated led to an investigation into her citizenship by the Home Affairs Ministry, after a request from the pageant’s organisers.

The investigation uncovered “prima facie indications” that Chidimma’s mother may have committed fraud and stolen the identity of a South African woman after the Miss SA hopeful was born, the ministry said on Wednesday.

In a post on her Instagram account, Chidimma said although withdrawing from the pageant is a difficult decision, the safety of her family comes first.

The post reads, “I would like to start off by thanking everyone who has stood beside me right from the start of my Miss South Africa journey. I’m really grateful for all the love and support I have been shown.

“Being part of the Miss South Africa 2024 competition has been an amazing journey however, after much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I.

“With the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, I leave with a heart full of gratitude for this amazing experience.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow finalists all of the best for the remainder of the competition. Whoever wears the crown represents us all.”