A Ghanaian national has been shot dead in South Africa amid rising tensions sparked by renewed anti-immigration protests, raising fresh concerns over the safety of foreign nationals living in the country.
The incident was confirmed by Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Benjamin Quashie, who told Citi News that the victim was a Ghanaian citizen.
Although the High Commissioner confirmed the death, he did not disclose the identity of the deceased or provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
South African authorities have also not established whether the killing was directly connected to the anti-immigration demonstrations that intensified on Tuesday, June 30.
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The incident comes as migrant communities across parts of South Africa remain on edge following protests demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws and the removal of undocumented foreign nationals.
The demonstrations have triggered heightened security operations in several communities, forcing many migrants to fear for their safety.
In response to the worsening security situation, the Government of Ghana has intensified efforts to assist citizens who wish to return home through its voluntary repatriation programme.
According to the authorities, more than 900 Ghanaians have already been evacuated from South Africa, with additional repatriation flights scheduled for next week as more citizens request assistance to return home.
The Ghana High Commission has advised Ghanaians who remain in South Africa to exercise extreme caution, avoid areas where protests are taking place and maintain regular contact with the mission for updates and emergency assistance.
Meanwhile, the government says it is closely monitoring developments and will continue engaging South African officials to ensure the safety and welfare of Ghanaians living in the country while investigations into the fatal shooting continue.