The Government of Ghana has condemned the killing of a Ghanaian national in South Africa and called for a full investigation and the swift arrest of those responsible.
In a statement issued on July 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it received with “profound shock and sadness” reports of the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
According to the Ministry, Mr Isak was killed on Monday, June 30, during anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks.
The Government described the killing as a senseless act of violence and strongly condemned the growing wave of xenophobic attacks targeting African nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa.
It stressed that the loss of life was unacceptable and called for those responsible to be brought to justice without delay.
The Ministry said the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has formally lodged Ghana’s protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
It has also filed a complaint with the South African Police Service after confirming the identity of the deceased and informing his family.
At the request of the Government of Ghana, an autopsy has been conducted on the body.
The Ministry called on South African authorities to carry out a transparent and expedited investigation into the incident.
It also urged the authorities to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators while strengthening security for Ghanaians living in affected communities.
In addition, Ghana expects South Africa to uphold its international obligations by guaranteeing the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals on its territory.
The Ministry noted that Ghana has already submitted a petition to the African Union Commission (AUC) over xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa.
It said the petition remains active and expressed hope that the African Union will treat the matter with the urgency it deserves at its next statutory meeting.
The Ministry said arrangements are being made to repatriate Mr Isak’s body to Ghana for burial. It also extended its condolences to the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, Ghanaians living in South Africa who did not take part in the government’s repatriation exercise have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas and contact the Ghana High Commission’s emergency lines if they are in danger.
The Government said it will continue to use diplomatic, consular and multilateral channels to protect the lives and welfare of Ghanaians abroad and help prevent similar attacks in the future.
