Ghana condemns killing of citizen in South Africa during anti-immigrant protests, demands urgent probe

• Ghana has condemned the killing of a Ghanaian national during anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.

• The government is demanding a full investigation and swift prosecution of those responsible.

• Plans are underway to repatriate the victim's body to Ghana for burial.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had received "with profound shock and sadness" reports of the fatal shooting of Mr Bashiru Isak, a 40-year-old Ghanaian, in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Monday, June 30, during demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks.

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"The Government of Ghana condemns, in the strongest terms, this senseless act of violence and the rising tide of xenophobia targeting African nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa," the Ministry stated. "The taking of any life is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay."

The Ministry disclosed that, on its instructions, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria had 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.

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It added that an autopsy had been conducted at the request of the Government of Ghana.

According to the statement, Ghana is demanding "a full, transparent and expedited investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators" and has urged South African authorities to strengthen protection for Ghanaians and other foreign nationals living in affected communities.

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The Ministry also noted that Ghana's petition to the African Union Commission over xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa remains active and expressed the expectation that the matter would be treated "with the urgency it demands" at the Commission's next statutory meeting.

Meanwhile, arrangements are underway to repatriate Mr Isak's body to Ghana for burial.

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The Ministry extended its condolences to the bereaved family and advised Ghanaians residing in South Africa, particularly those who did not participate in previous government-assisted repatriation exercises, to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas and contact the Ghana High Commission through its emergency lines if they require assistance.