Ghana demands justice after citizen killed in South Africa’s anti-immigrant protests
The Ministry, through its High Commission in Pretoria, further reiterated its expectation that South Africa, in line with its international obligations.
South Africa's economy relies heavily on migrants. (Photo: G.Guercia via DW)
Ghana has condemned the fatal shooting of its national in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, during the June 30th anti-immigrant demonstrations, demanding a probe to ensure justice for the victim.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified the victim as 40-year-old Bashiru Isak and confirmed that it has filed a complaint with the South African authorities over the matter.
“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 Ministry said.
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Furthermore, at the request of the Government of Ghana, an autopsy has since been performed on the body.
“Ghana demands from the South African authorities a full, transparent and expedited investigation leading to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. We also reiterate our call on the South African authorities to ensure enhanced protection for all Ghanaian nationals in affected communities.
Meanwhile, plans are being made by the Ministry to repatriate the body of the late Bashiru Isak to his family in Ghana for a befitting burial.
The Ministry, through its High Commission in Pretoria, further reiterated its expectation that South Africa, in line with its international obligations, will guarantee the safety, dignity and rights of all foreign nationals on its territory, including Ghanaians.
“It would be recalled that Ghana has already transmitted a petition to the African Union Commission (AUC). Our formal petition on xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa remains active, and we expect the AU to treat the matter with the urgency it demands at its next statutory meeting,” the Ministry added.
The state further urged Ghanaians in South Africa who elected not to take advantage of the government's repatriation exercise to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, and, when in danger, contact the High Commission on its 24-hour emergency lines.
“Ghana will continue to pursue all diplomatic, consular, and multilateral avenues to protect the lives and welfare of its citizens abroad and to ensure that such attacks are not repeated,” the Ministry said.
Tuesday's marches were organised to mark a "deadline" that an anti-immigrant movement had set for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa.
The unrest over the issue has forced hundreds of foreigners out of the country, including close to 100 Kenyans who arrived in Nairobi this week.
In Durban, city police opened an inquest over the death of a foreign national who allegedly jumped from the eighth floor of a building on the eve of the protests, believing he was being targeted.
On Wednesday, South African police arrested more than 900 people during the nationwide anti-migrant protests on Tuesday that were mostly peaceful but at times turned violent, with shops looted.