The South African government has strongly rejected claims by Ghana that a Ghanaian national was killed during anti-immigration demonstrations on June 30, insisting that the victim was fatally shot a day earlier in what police believe was an extortion-related criminal attack in the Western Cape.
The response follows a statement issued by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, in which it condemned what it described as the killing of a Ghanaian citizen during protests linked to xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Ghana said the death of Bashiru Isak, whom it identified as a 44-year-old Ghanaian national, was evidence of a “rising tide of xenophobia targeting African nationals, including Ghanaians, in South Africa”.
Also read: Nigeria to seek compensation for property abandoned by citizens fleeing South Africa
The West African nation further demanded a “full, transparent and expedited investigation” and called on South African authorities to ensure greater protection for Ghanaian nationals living in affected communities.
However, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, said the Ghanaian government’s claims were “not based on fact”.
“According to a statement by the Ghanaian authorities, issued on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, a Ghanaian national was fatally wounded in a shooting that occurred ‘on Monday, June 30, 2026, during anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks’,” Kubayi said.
“In addition to being factually incorrect, because the irregular migration protests took place on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, this statement is not based on fact.”
Kubayi said police investigations indicate that the victim was attacked at his workplace in Nyanga, Cape Town, on Monday, June 29, a day before the nationwide demonstrations.
“The Ghanaian national who was fatally wounded was attacked at his place of work on Monday, 29 June 2026, in an incident that the police suspect as a criminal act, which is totally not linked to the alleged demonstrations,” she said.
According to information provided by the Western Cape police, unknown suspects allegedly entered a barbershop in Emms Drive, Nyanga, demanded money from the victim and then shot him before fleeing the scene.
“The motive for the attack is believed to be extortion-related,” the police statement said.
No arrests have been made, and police have appealed to members of the public to assist with information that could lead to the suspects’ apprehension.
Kubayi accused Ghanaian authorities of repeatedly spreading inaccurate information regarding developments in South Africa.
“It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration,” she said.
“The fact of the matter is that no fatalities have been recorded during the day of these demonstrations and isolated incidents of criminality that occurred on the day have been acted upon by the law enforcement authorities.”
March and March leader claims Ramaphosa snubbed meeting requests
The minister also urged African governments to use established diplomatic channels when raising concerns with South Africa.
“She continued to appeal that diplomatic matters and concerns between our continental counterparts must be communicated properly to South Africa through established channels.”
While dismissing claims that the killing was linked to xenophobic violence, Kubayi expressed sympathy for the victim’s family.
“We regret all loss of life on our shores, and we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and assure them that our law enforcement authorities will investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators to book,” she said.
The South African government further criticised what it described as attempts to portray the country as hostile to foreign nationals.
“Once again, the spread of false information to perpetuate the false narrative that South Africa is xenophobic is unacceptable,” the government said.
The diplomatic exchange comes after Ghana formally protested to South Africa through its High Commission in Pretoria and disclosed that it had also lodged a complaint with the South African Police Service.
Ghana additionally said its petition to the African Union Commission on xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa remained active and urged the continental body to address the matter as a priority.
IOL