South Africa has pushed back against what it says is misinformation surrounding the killing of a Ghanaian national, after Ghana’s government linked the man’s death to illegal immigration demonstrations and alleged xenophobic attacks.
The diplomatic row erupted after Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had received reports that Ghanaian national Bashiru Isak, 40, had been fatally shot in Khayelitsha during illegal immigration demonstrations, which it said were linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
“The Government of Ghana condemns, in the strongest terms, this senseless act of violence,” the ministry said.
Ghana said it had instructed its High Commission in Pretoria to formally lodge a protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation and file a complaint with the South African Police Service after confirming the victim’s identity and notifying his family.
“The taking of any life is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay,” the ministry said.
