•••Over 900 arrested as Ghana demands justice, urges African Union to act against renewed anti-migrant violence
A fresh wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa has claimed the life of a Ghanaian national, reigniting fears over the safety of African migrants living in the country.
The victim, identified as 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, was reportedly shot dead on June 30 in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, during anti-immigrant demonstrations that turned violent.
According to Ghanaian authorities, Isak, a tailor who had lived and worked in South Africa for nearly two decades, was inside his shop when he was fatally attacked. He is survived by three children.
The tragic killing occurred amid nationwide protests organized by anti-migrant groups demanding the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from South Africa.
While many demonstrations remained peaceful, several degenerated into violence, with foreign-owned businesses looted, shops vandalized, and confrontations breaking out between protesters and security personnel.
South African police confirmed that more than 900 people were arrested during the protests for offences including public violence, looting, robbery, immigration-related violations, and harbouring undocumented migrants.
Security forces were deployed across several provinces, while military personnel were sent to hotspots to restore order.
Reacting to the incident, the Government of Ghana condemned the killing in the strongest terms, describing it as a senseless act of violence fueled by rising xenophobia.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on South African authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, bring the perpetrators to justice, and strengthen measures to protect foreign nationals residing in the country.
The ministry also urged the African Union (AU) to urgently consider Ghana’s long-standing petition on xenophobic attacks, warning that repeated violence against African migrants threatens the vision of African unity and continental integration.
Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria said it is working closely with South African authorities while making arrangements to repatriate the deceased’s body to Ghana.
The mission has also advised Ghanaian nationals in South Africa to remain vigilant, avoid protest areas, and comply with directives issued by local security agencies.
The latest incident has drawn renewed international concern over recurring attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, where migrants from several African countries have repeatedly been victims of xenophobic violence, displacement, and destruction of their businesses.
As diplomatic engagements intensify, many African governments are calling for decisive action to end the cycle of xenophobic attacks and ensure the safety and dignity of all migrants across the continent.
