Ghana demands probe into killing of citizen during South Africa anti-migrant protests

The Government of Ghana has demanded an investigation and prosecution of those found culpable for the death of a Ghanaian national who was shot during the June 30 anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.

Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Wednesday, said it received news of the killing of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak with "profound shock and sadness". The ministry said Isak was fatally shot on Tuesday, June 30, in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, during demonstrations that targeted foreign African nationals.

The government condemned "in the strongest terms" both the killing and what it described as a “growing wave of xenophobic attacks against African nationals, including Ghanaians", living in South Africa.

"The taking of any life is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay," the ministry stated.

Formal protests to South Africa

Ghana's 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 victim's identity and informing his family.

At the request of the Ghanaian government, an autopsy has been conducted, while arrangements are underway to repatriate Mr Isak's body to Ghana for burial, Ghana News Agency reports.

The Ministry said it expects South African authorities to carry out a full, transparent and expedited investigation into the killing, while also strengthening security measures to protect Ghanaians and other foreign nationals living in communities affected by the violence.

The government also noted that its petition to the African Union Commission over xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa remains active, adding that it expects the continental body to prioritise the issue at its next statutory meeting.

Travel advisory

The killing came just two days after Ghana issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to exercise extreme caution while in South Africa amid “heightened anti-African campaigns, planned demonstrations and threats against foreign nationals.” The advisory urged travellers to avoid protest areas, remain vigilant and reconsider non-essential travel.

The latest incident follows a government-led emergency evacuation programme launched in response to the unrest. According to the Ministry, 979 Ghanaian nationals have so far been repatriated in three batches through an operation coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The returnees have received medical care, psychosocial counselling, transport assistance and reintegration support, with the government saying it remains committed to protecting the lives and welfare of Ghanaians living abroad.