The Government of Ghana has strongly condemned the killing of a Ghanaian national in South Africa, describing the fatal shooting as a senseless act of violence and demanding a swift investigation into what it says is part of a worrying resurgence of xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 40 year old Bashiru Isak was shot and killed in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, during anti immigrant demonstrations on Monday, June 30.
The Ministry said it received news of the incident "with profound shock and sadness," adding that Ghana would pursue every available diplomatic and legal channel to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The government disclosed that, on the instructions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria had formally protested to South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation and also lodged a complaint with the South African Police Service.
Those actions followed confirmation of the victim's identity and notification of his family. An autopsy has since been conducted at the request of the Government of Ghana as preparations begin to repatriate Mr. Isak's body for burial.
"The taking of any life is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay," the Ministry stated.Accra is also demanding "a full, transparent and expedited investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators."
Call for Protection of Ghanaians
The Ministry urged South African authorities to strengthen security for Ghanaian nationals and other foreign residents living in communities affected by xenophobic violence.
It stressed that South Africa has an obligation under international law to protect the "safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals on its territory, including Ghanaians."
The latest incident has also revived Ghana's campaign at the continental level. The Ministry noted that its petition to the African Union Commission over repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa remains active and expressed hope that the matter would receive urgent attention at the Commission's next statutory meeting.
While arrangements are underway to return the deceased to Ghana, officials have advised Ghanaians who remain in South Africa to exercise heightened caution.
The Ministry urged citizens to avoid areas considered high risk and to contact the Ghana High Commission immediately if they face any threat to their safety.
It also extended condolences to the family of Bashiru Isak, pledging continued support throughout the difficult period.
"Ghana will continue to pursue all diplomatic, consular, and multilateral avenues to protect the lives and welfare of its citizens abroad and to ensure that such attacks are not repeated," the statement said.
The latest killing is expected to renew concerns over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa and its impact on African migrants, many of whom continue to live and work in affected communities despite repeated waves of attacks over the years.
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