A diplomatic dispute has emerged between South Africa and Ghana following conflicting accounts over the reported killing of a Ghanaian national during recent anti-migrant protests in South Africa.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it received reports that 40-year-old Bashiru Isak was shot dead on Tuesday in Khayelitsha, a township in Cape Town, during protests targeting undocumented migrants.
In a statement, the ministry expressed “profound shock” over the incident, disclosed that it had lodged a formal protest with the South African government, and filed a complaint with the South African Police Service.
The Ghanaian government called for a full, transparent and expedited investigation into the incident, urging South African authorities to ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
It also reminded South Africa of its obligation to protect the lives, safety and rights of foreign nationals residing in the country.
However, South African authorities denied that such an incident occurred.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi criticised Ghanaian officials for allegedly spreading false information, while the South African Police Service said it had no record of a murder involving Bashiru Isak in Khayelitsha.
Police, however, confirmed they are investigating the killing of another Ghanaian national, 35-year-old Kwabena Boagen, who was shot dead in Nyanga, another Cape Town township, in what authorities described as an extortion-related attack.
According to police, armed suspects entered the barbershop where Boagen worked, demanded money and shot him before fleeing the scene. No arrests have been made, while investigations are ongoing.
South African authorities also appealed to Ghana to provide details of the alleged Khayelitsha incident to assist with further investigations.
The dispute comes amid heightened tensions over anti-migrant demonstrations across South Africa.
Tuesday marked the unofficial deadline issued by anti-migrant groups demanding that undocumented foreigners leave the country, prompting protests in several cities.
South African police said the demonstrations were largely peaceful but confirmed that about 900 people were arrested, mainly for immigration-related offences and looting.
The protests have prompted several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria and Malawi, to repatriate some of their nationals from South Africa amid growing concerns over their safety.
According to reports, more than 25,000 people have left the country since the protests intensified.
Ghana has advised its citizens who remain in South Africa to stay vigilant and avoid areas considered high-risk as tensions persist.
South Africa has experienced rising anti-migrant sentiment in recent months amid high unemployment, with foreign nationals increasingly becoming targets of hostility in some communities.
