By Makiza Micheline Latifa |

The Government of Ghana has strongly condemned the killing of a Ghanaian national in South Africa during anti-immigrant demonstrations, describing the incident as a senseless act of xenophobic violence and demanding swift justice.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said 40-year-old Bashiru Isak was fatally shot in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Monday, June 30, during demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks.

Expressing profound shock and sadness, the Ministry condemned the killing and urged South African authorities to carry out a full, transparent and expedited investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

According to the Ministry, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has formally lodged Ghana’s protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and filed a complaint with the South African Police Service after confirming the identity of the deceased and informing his family. An autopsy has also been conducted at the request of the Government of Ghana.

The Government is also urging South African authorities to strengthen security for Ghanaian nationals living in communities affected by the recent wave of xenophobic attacks. It further reminded South Africa of its international obligation to protect the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals residing within its borders.

The Ministry noted that Ghana’s petition to the African Union Commission on xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa remains active and expressed hope that the matter will receive urgent attention at the African Union’s next statutory meeting.

Meanwhile, arrangements are underway to repatriate the body of Mr. Isak to Ghana for burial. The Ministry extended its deepest condolences to his family and assured them of the Government’s continued support.

The Ministry also advised Ghanaians living in South Africa, particularly those who did not take part in the Government’s repatriation exercise, to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas and contact the Ghana High Commission through its 24-hour emergency lines if they require assistance.

It reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to pursuing all diplomatic, consular and multilateral avenues to safeguard the lives and welfare of its citizens abroad and to ensure that such attacks are not repeated.

Editor’s Note: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release is attached in full for further reference.