South Africa has pushed back against what it says is misinformation surrounding the killing of a Ghanaian national, after Ghana’s government linked the man’s death to illegal immigration demonstrations and alleged xenophobic attacks.
The diplomatic row erupted after Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had received reports that Ghanaian national Bashiru Isak, 40, had been fatally shot in Khayelitsha during illegal immigration demonstrations, which it said were linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
“The Government of Ghana condemns, in the strongest terms, this senseless act of violence,” the ministry said.
Ghana said it had instructed its High Commission in Pretoria to formally lodge a protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and file a complaint with the South African Police Service after confirming the victim’s identity and notifying his family.
“The taking of any life is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay,” the ministry said.
It also called for a “full, transparent and expedited investigation”, urged South African authorities to strengthen protection for Ghanaian nationals in affected communities, and said “our formal petition on xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa remains active,” adding that it expects the African Union Commission to urgently consider the matter.
While expressing condolences, the department appealed for restraint in public communication.
“The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Ghanaian national, and to the Government and people of Ghana,” the statement said.
Referring to statements issued by the SAPS and the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, Lamola’s department added: “We once again appeal to all partners and stakeholders to work alongside the South African government in ensuring that information shared with the public is verified, accurate, and responsibly communicated.”
Kubayi said Ghana’s statement was based on incorrect information and disputed any link between the murder and the anti-illegal immigration demonstrations.
“It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration,” she said.
According to Kubayi, police investigations indicate the victim was shot during a suspected extortion incident at his workplace on Monday, 29 June, before the anti-illegal immigration demonstrations took place, and that the killing was unrelated to the protests.
“The fact of the matter is that no fatalities have been recorded during the day of these demonstrations,” she said.
Kubayi urged Ghana to raise diplomatic concerns through established channels and said South African authorities remained committed to investigating the murder.
“We regret all loss of life on our shores… and assure them that our law enforcement authorities will investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators to book,” she said.
Saturday Star