Ghana demands justice after Ghanaian killed in South Africa in xenophobic attack

The Government of Ghana has demanded a full investigation and swift prosecution after a 40-year-old Ghanaian man was shot dead in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, during anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The victim, Mr Bashiru Isak, was killed on Monday, June 30, during demonstrations and massacres, targeting foreign African nationals, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The Government said it received the reports with “profound shock and sadness” and condemned “in the strongest terms” the killing and the rising tide of xenophobia against African nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa.
“The taking of any life is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay,” the Ministry stated.

The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has formally protested to South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and lodged a complaint with the South African Police Service (SAPS) after confirming the deceased’s identity and notifying his family.

An autopsy was conducted at the Government of Ghana’s request, and arrangements are underway to repatriate Mr Isak’s body for burial in Ghana.

The Ministry said it expected South African authorities to conduct a full, transparent, and expedited investigation, and to strengthen protection for Ghanaians and other foreign nationals in affected communities.

Ghana’s petition to the African Union Commission on xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa remains active, the Ministry said, adding that it expected the continental body to prioritise the matter at its next statutory meeting.

The killing occurred two days after the Ministry issued a travel advisory urging Ghanaians to exercise extreme caution in South Africa due to heightened anti-African campaigns, planned demonstrations, and threats to foreign nationals.

The advisory urged travellers to avoid protest areas, remain vigilant, and reconsider non-essential travel.

The incident follows an emergency repatriation exercise amid renewed xenophobic unrest.

A total of 979 Ghanaians have been evacuated in three batches under a government-led operation coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Returnees have received medical care, psychosocial counselling, transport assistance, and reintegration support. Government said it remains committed to protecting the lives and welfare of Ghanaians abroad.

Source: GNA