Ghanaian man killed during South Africa anti-migrant protests
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 2, 2026The Government of Ghana has condemned the killing of a Ghanaian national during anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, as concerns grow over rising xenophobic violence in the country.
In a statement issued on July 1, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 40-year-old Bashiru Isak was shot dead in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on Monday, June 30, 2026. The incident happened during demonstrations linked to ongoing anti-migrant protests and xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals.
The ministry said it received news of the shooting “with profound shock and sadness” and described the killing as a senseless act of violence.
“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 statement said.
Officials added that “the taking of any life is unacceptable and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay.”
According to the ministry, Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria has already registered an official protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation. Ghanaian officials also filed a complaint with the South African Police Service after confirming Mr Isak’s identity and informing his family.
The government said an autopsy has already been carried out on the body at Ghana’s request. Authorities are now preparing to repatriate the remains of Bashiru Isak to Ghana for burial.
Ghana demanded a “full, transparent and expedited investigation” into the killing and called on South African authorities to arrest and prosecute those responsible.
The ministry also urged South Africa to improve protection for Ghanaians and other foreign nationals living in affected communities.
“We reiterate our 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,” the statement added.
The killing comes at a time of growing tension across South Africa, where anti-migrant protests have spread in several cities including Johannesburg, Durban and Pretoria. Thousands of demonstrators have marched in recent days demanding the removal of undocumented migrants.
South African police said more than 900 people were arrested during demonstrations held on June 30. Authorities confirmed that most protests remained peaceful, but several turned violent, leading to looting, intimidation and attacks on businesses.
The unrest has forced several African countries to evacuate citizens from South Africa.
Regional pressure on Pretoria
Kenya has already airlifted dozens of its nationals after fears over xenophobic violence increased. Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs, Roseline Njogu, confirmed that more than 200 Kenyans had requested evacuation support.
“We evacuated the first group of 26 Kenyans who are fleeing the xenophobic or aporophobic attacks that we have recently seen in the media,” Njogu said on Tuesday.
Kenyan authorities later confirmed that more citizens had returned home through evacuation flights organised by the government.
Uganda and other African countries are also monitoring the situation closely as pressure grows on South African authorities to restore calm and guarantee the safety of foreign communities.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed for calm and warned against violence.
“The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence,” Ramaphosa said.
He also defended the rights of lawful migrants living in the country.
“They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution,” he added.
Ghana said it has already submitted a petition to the African Union Commission over xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa. Officials expect the matter to be discussed at the next African Union meeting.
The ministry advised Ghanaians still living in South Africa to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas and contact the Ghana High Commission if they face danger.
“The Ministry extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time,” the statement said.