A Miss South Africa contestant, whose Nigerian heritage sparked a national controversy and led to a government investigation, has withdrawn from the beauty pageant.

Chidimma Adetshina announced on Thursday that she would no longer participate in Saturday’s final, following accusations from the Home Affairs ministry that her mother had committed fraud and identity theft.

“After much careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and myself,” Adetshina, 23, wrote on Instagram.

Adetshina, a law student, has faced vicious xenophobic attacks on social media since being announced as a finalist in July, with many – including government ministers – questioning her eligibility due to her Nigerian descent.

Adetshina previously told local media that she was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent.

The controversy led to an investigation into her citizenship following a request from the pageant’s organisers.

On Wednesday, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said the investigation uncovered “prima facie indications” that Adetshina’s mother might have committed fraud and stolen the identity of a South African woman.

The ministry stated that it was seeking legal advice on the implications this might have on Adetshina’s citizenship, given that she was an infant at the time of the alleged fraud.

South Africa grants citizenship by birth to anyone born in the country after 1995 to a South African parent or permanent resident.

Adetshina’s participation in the pageant fuelled anti-foreigner sentiment in the nation, which has witnessed violent, and sometimes deadly, attacks on immigrants in the past.

Politicians, celebrities, and ordinary citizens weighed in on the debate. While many defended her, others argued that she should be disqualified.

In announcing her decision to withdraw, Adetshina expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her throughout her Miss South Africa journey.

“I am truly grateful for all the love and support I have received,” she wrote.