Ghana Condemns Alleged Killing of Citizen in South Africa

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs ministry expressed “profound shock” at reports that Bashiru Isak, a 40-year-old citizen, was shot dead on Tuesday in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township. The ministry said it had sent a formal protest note and filed a complaint with the police.

Ghana emphasized that “taking of any life is unacceptable, and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay.” It called on South African authorities to conduct a “full, transparent and expedited investigation” into Isak’s death and to ensure the prosecution of the perpetrators.

South Africa Denies Link to Anti-Migrant Protests

South Africa’s justice minister responded by expressing concern that “Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration.” The South African police said they “had no record of the Khayelitsha murder” and had not confirmed any incident involving Isak.

However, they confirmed a separate incident involving the killing of a 35-year-old Ghanaian, Kwabena Boagen, in the Nyanga township of Cape Town. Boagen, who lived in Khayelitsha but worked in Nyanga, was allegedly shot during an extortion-linked crime. A post-mortem was being conducted in line with protocols.

South African police told the BBC that suspects entered the barbershop where Boagen worked, demanded money, and fled the scene. No arrests have been made in that case.

Repatriation and Rising Tensions Over Migration

Tuesday marked the unofficial deadline set by anti-migrant groups in South Africa for all undocumented foreigners to leave the country. Thousands marched across major cities ahead of the date. Ghana, Malawi, and Nigeria have been repatriating citizens due to rising tensions. Around 25,000 people have left the country so far.

Ghana’s Joy FM media outlet described Isak as a tailor who had lived in South Africa for about 20 years. He was reportedly approached at his shop by people who allegedly accused him of taking South African jobs before he was shot. Plans were underway to repatriate his body to Ghana for burial.

Ghana’s foreign ministry sent its condolences to Isak’s family and advised its citizens remaining in South Africa to remain vigilant and avoid high-risk areas. South Africa, with one of the highest unemployment rates in the world,over 30%—has seen rising anti-migrant sentiment in recent months, despite being a destination for people from poorer countries seeking work in low-paid jobs.