South Africa and Ghana are locked in a diplomatic spat after Ghana alleged that a 40‑year‑old Ghanaian man was shot dead during Cape Town’s anti‑immigrant protests. The Ghanaian Foreign Affairs ministry sent a formal protest note, telling South African authorities that the incident had not been documented by the police. Ghana’s foreign ministry demanded a thorough investigation and that those responsible be brought to justice.
South Africa’s justice minister expressed concern that “Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information” about the situation. Police confirmed that they had no record of the Khayelitsha murder but were investigating the death of a 35‑year‑old Ghanaian elsewhere in Cape Town.
The month‑long anti‑immigration campaign has pushed thousands of foreigners—especially from Ghana, Malawi, and Nigeria—to leave the country ahead of an unofficial deadline. Police said protests across the country were largely peaceful, though about 900 people were arrested for immigration‑related offences and looting.
In a related claim, Ghana’s Joy FM described Isak as a tailor who had lived in South Africa for 20 years. He reportedly was shot after an alleged accusation of taking South African jobs. Ghana’s foreign ministry plans to repatriate his body for burial and has urged citizens in South Africa to remain vigilant.
The tensions highlight South Africa’s high unemployment rate—over 30 %—and the growing anti‑migrant sentiment that has intensified in recent months.
