SA rejects Ghana’s claims over alleged protest-related killing

The South African and Ghanaian governments have become embroiled in another diplomatic disagreement over migration after South Africa rejected claims by Ghana that one of its nationals was killed during anti-illegal immigration protests.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said 40-year-old, Bashiru Isak, was fatally shot in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, during the nationwide demonstrations on 30 June and describing the incident as a xenophobic attack and calling for a full investigation.

The ministry said Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria had lodged a formal protest with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and opened a case with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

However, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and Chair of the Interministerial Committee on Migration, Mmamoloko Kubayi, rejected Ghana’s account, saying it is “not based on fact”.

Kubayi said police investigations indicate that Isak was shot at his workplace in Nyanga on 29 June, a day before the demonstrations.

According to police, unknown suspects allegedly entered a barbershop, demanded money and shot Isak before fleeing. Investigators believe the killing was linked to extortion rather than the anti-illegal immigration protests.

Kubayi added that no fatalities were recorded on the day of the nationwide demonstrations and cautioned against what she described as false claims portraying South Africa as a xenophobic country. 

The incident marks the second time that the South African government has dismissed claims made by the Ghana’s Foreign Ministry.

Last month, DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola, dismissed claims by his Ghanaian counterpart, Samuel Ablakwa, who alleged in a media interview that five Mozambican nationals and two Nigerian nationals had been killed during anti-illegal immigration protests, among other claims made ahead of the June 30 demonstrations. 

A deeply disappointing interview, replete with misinformation.

First, the claim that two Nigerians have been killed during the current wave of attacks remains entirely unsubstantiated by available information.

No Nigerian National
has been killed during the current waves of… https://t.co/mlkbMiJiAd pic.twitter.com/RxjJWB0OmL

— Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) June 6, 2026

Meanwhile, Cabinet has extended its condolences to the families of three foreign nationals who died during anti-illegal immigration protests in recent weeks. The victims include two Mozambican men killed in Mossel Bay and a Malawian national who died in Pietermaritzburg.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet briefing on Friday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said those responsible would be brought to justice.

“We have committed NatJoints to making sure that no stone is left unturned until those who are responsible for the murders are arrested and justice is served. No one has the right to murder and kill anyone in South Africa, whether they are South African or not. Whether they are documented or not,” said Ntshavheni.

Government has urged demonstrators to remain peaceful as anti-illegal immigration protests are expected to continue every Thursday for the next six months.

Listen 🎧 Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni briefs media on outcomes of the Cabinet Meeting. #PostCabinet

Focus: A call on South Africans: You have no law enforcement responsibility. #CapableState #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/VIiSbcINvC

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) July 3, 2026