40-year-old Ghanaian shot dead in South Africa: government condemns killing
Accra, Ghana –
The Government of Ghana has condemned the fatal shooting of a Ghanaian national in Cape Town and has called on South African authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation into the incident.
In a press statement issued on July 1, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it received the news “with profound shock and sadness” following the death of 40-year-old Mr. Bashiru Isak in Khayelitsha on Monday, June 30, 2026.
Fatal Shooting During Anti-Immigrant Protests
According to the Ministry, Mr. Isak was killed during anti-immigrant demonstrations in Khayelitsha that were linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The 40-year-old was reportedly shot and died at the scene.
The Ministry confirmed that the identity of the deceased was verified and that his bereaved family had been notified. At Ghana’s request, an autopsy has since been carried out on the body.
Government Demands Accountability
Describing the incident as a “senseless act of violence,” the Government of Ghana said it condemns the killing “in the strongest terms.” The statement also denounced what it called a “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 stated.
Ghana has formally registered its protest with South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation through the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria. A complaint has also been filed with the South African Police Service. The government is demanding “a full, transparent and expedited investigation” leading to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. It is also calling for enhanced protection for all Ghanaian nationals living in affected communities.
Diplomatic and Continental Action
The Ministry reiterated that South Africa, under international law, has an obligation to guarantee the safety, dignity, and rights of all foreign nationals on its territory, including Ghanaians.
Ghana said it has already transmitted a formal petition to the African Union Commission on xenophobic attacks against African nationals in South Africa. The petition remains active, and Accra expects the AU to address the matter with urgency at its next statutory meeting.
The incident adds to concerns about the safety of African migrants in South Africa, where periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence have strained relations between countries on the continent. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will continue to monitor the case closely and provide consular support to the family of the deceased.
Read the full statement below:
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