Ghana and South Africa in diplomatic spat over migrant's death

Ghana has lodged a formal protest with South Africa after one of its citizens, 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, was allegedly shot dead in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township. The Ghanaian Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed “profound shock” and demanded a swift and transparent investigation, urging South Africa to uphold its international obligations to protect foreign nationals.

However, South African authorities have pushed back against the claims. The South African justice minister expressed concern over “false information” from Ghana regarding irregular migration. The South African Police Service stated they have “no record of the Khayelitsha murder” and requested details from Ghanaian authorities to aid any investigation.

Adding to the confusion, police confirmed they are investigating the killing of another Ghanaian, 35-year-old Kwabena Boagen, in a different Cape Town township, Nyanga, the day prior. This incident is believed to be linked to extortion. Boagen, who lived in Khayelitsha, was reportedly shot after suspects demanded money at his workplace in Nyanga.

South Africa’s foreign ministry official, Clayson Monyela, described the link between Isak’s death and anti-migrant protests as a “fabricated tale.” The reports emerged amidst unofficial deadlines set by anti-migrant groups for undocumented foreigners to leave South Africa, leading to marches and the arrest of around 900 individuals, primarily for immigration offenses.

Several African nations, including Ghana, Malawi, and Nigeria, have begun repatriating citizens concerned about escalating violence and intimidation in South Africa, with an estimated 25,000 people having left the country. Ghana has advised its citizens remaining in South Africa to stay vigilant and avoid high-risk areas. South Africa, grappling with over 30% unemployment, has seen rising anti-migrant sentiment as it remains a destination for individuals seeking work from neighboring and other African countries.

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/353314/south-africa-and-ghana-in-diplomatic-row-over-killing-of-migrant