The Government of Ghana has condemned the killing of a Ghanaian national in South Africa amid anti-immigrant protests, calling on the South African authorities to conduct a swift, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government identified the deceased as Bashiru Isak, 40, who was fatally shot in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Monday, 30 June 2026, during demonstrations linked to rising anti-immigrant sentiment in parts of South Africa.
Describing the incident as a “senseless act of violence,” the Government said it received the news with profound shock and sadness, reiterating its condemnation of what it described as the growing tide of xenophobia targeting African nationals, including Ghanaians, 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 statement said.
The Ministry disclosed that Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria has formally lodged a diplomatic protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and submitted an official complaint to the South African Police Service (SAPS), urging a thorough investigation. It further called on the South African Government to uphold its international obligations by guaranteeing the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals residing within its territory.
The Government said it has informed the deceased’s family and, at its request, an autopsy has been conducted. Arrangements are also underway for the repatriation of Mr Isak’s remains to Ghana for burial.
According to media reports, Mr Isak had lived and worked in South Africa for nearly two decades and was reportedly inside his shop when he was shot. Authorities are yet to publicly confirm the circumstances surrounding the killing or announce any arrests in connection with the incident.
The shooting occurred against the backdrop of renewed anti-immigrant demonstrations led by activist group March and March, which had issued a self-imposed 30 June deadline for ‘undocumented’ foreign nationals to leave South Africa. Although the demonstrations were marked by a significant police presence aimed at preventing violence, concerns over the safety of migrant communities have intensified.
The organisers have since indicated that protests will continue every Thursday over the next six months as they press their demands on undocumented migration, raising fresh concerns over the potential for further tensions and attacks on foreign nationals.
The latest killing adds to longstanding concerns over recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa. Ghana has consistently raised the issue through diplomatic channels, including the African Union, urging stronger action to protect African migrants and prevent further loss of life and destruction of property.
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