Saudi row over alleged Ghanaian migrant death
A diplomatic row has erupted between South Africa and Ghana over claims that a Ghanaian man was killed during anti‑migrant protests, which South African officials deny.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs ministry said it had received shocking reports that Bashiru Isak, 40, was shot dead on Tuesday in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township. It sent a formal protest note and filed a complaint with the police.
South Africa’s justice minister responded, accusing Ghanaian authorities of spreading false information about migration developments in the country.
The police said they had no record of a Khayelitsha murder but are investigating the killing of 35‑year‑old Ghanaian Kwabena Boagen, allegedly involved in an extortion‑linked crime in Nyanga township.
Boagen lived in Khayelitsha but worked in Nyanga; a post‑mortem is underway in line with protocols. Police said suspected gunmen entered the barbershop where he worked, demanded money, and fled after shooting him. No arrests have yet been made.
In response to Ghana’s statement, police urged the Ghanaian authorities to provide details on the Khayelitsha incident to enable further investigation.
Ghana condemned the killing, demanding a full, transparent investigation and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and urged South Africa to ensure the safety and rights of all foreign nationals on its soil.
South Africa has a high unemployment rate, over 30%, and anti‑migrant sentiment has surged in recent months. The country’s most developed economy attracts workers from less affluent nations seeking low‑paid jobs.
The protest deadline set by South African anti‑migrant groups for all undocumented foreigners to leave the country has led to thousands of marches. Roughly 25,000 migrants have already been repatriated by Ghana, Malawi, and Nigeria.
Police reported that Tuesday’s protests were largely peaceful, with about 900 people arrested mainly for immigration‑related offences and looting.
