Gov’t demands justice after citizen shot dead in South Africa xenophobic attack

The Government of Ghana has called for a full investigation and the swift prosecution of those responsible for the killing of a Ghanaian national during anti-immigrant demonstrations in South Africa, describing the incident as a "senseless act of violence" that must not go unpunished.

The demand follows the fatal shooting of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on June 30 during demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign African nationals.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it received news of the killing with "profound shock and sadness" and strongly condemned what it described as the growing wave of xenophobic violence against African nationals living in South Africa

The Government of Ghana condemns, in the strongest terms, this senseless act of violence and the rising tide of xenophobia targeting African nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa. The taking of any life is unacceptable, and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay."

The Ministry stressed that attacks on foreign nationals threaten regional solidarity and violate fundamental human rights.

According to the Ministry, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has already taken diplomatic action by lodging a formal protest with South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

The High Commission also filed an official complaint with the South African Police Service after confirming the identity of the deceased and notifying his family of the tragic incident.

The Ministry further disclosed that an autopsy had been conducted at the request of the Government of Ghana as part of ongoing investigations.

Ghana is demanding what it describes as a full, transparent and expedited investigation into the killing to ensure all those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

Ghana demands from the South African authorities a full, transparent and expedited investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. We also reiterate our call on the South African authorities to ensure enhanced protection for all Ghanaian nationals in affected communities."

The government also reminded South African authorities of their obligations under international law to protect the lives, safety and rights of foreign nationals residing within the country.

The Ministry revealed that Ghana's petition to the African Union Commission over repeated xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa remains active.

It urged the continental body to treat the issue with urgency during its next statutory meeting.

Our formal petition on xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa remains active and we expect the AU to treat the matter with the urgency it demands at its next statutory meeting."

The Ministry confirmed that arrangements are underway to repatriate the body of Bashiru Isak to Ghana for burial.

Government also extended its condolences to the bereaved family and assured them of its continued support throughout the process.

Meanwhile, Ghanaians living in South Africa, particularly those who opted not to participate in the government's earlier voluntary repatriation programme, have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid areas experiencing unrest and immediately contact the Ghana High Commission through its emergency lines whenever they face danger.

The Ministry reaffirmed that Ghana will continue to pursue all available diplomatic, consular and multilateral avenues to safeguard its citizens abroad while working with international partners to prevent future xenophobic attacks.