The Government of Ghana has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of a Ghanaian national during anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa, describing the incident as a senseless act of violence and calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 1, the victim was identified as 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, who was shot dead in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on June 30 during demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks.
The Ministry said it had instructed the Ghana 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 informing his family. An autopsy has also been conducted at the request of the Government of Ghana.
Government is demanding a full, transparent and expedited investigation into the killing, insisting that those behind the attack be brought to justice without delay. It also called on South African authorities to strengthen security for Ghanaians and other foreign nationals living in affected communities.
The Ministry further noted that Ghana had already submitted a petition to the African Union Commission over recurring xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa and expects the matter to receive urgent attention at the Commission’s next statutory meeting.
Meanwhile, arrangements are underway to repatriate the body of the late Bashiru Isak to Ghana for burial. The Ministry expressed its condolences to the bereaved family and advised Ghanaians who remain in South Africa to exercise caution, avoid high-risk areas and contact the Ghana High Commission through its emergency lines whenever necessary.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all diplomatic, consular and multilateral avenues to safeguard the lives and welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad and to prevent future attacks.
Story By: Eric Boateng
