South Africa and Ghana in Diplomatic Row Over Alleged Migrant Killing
A diplomatic row has erupted between South Africa and Ghana over claims that a Ghanaian man was killed during anti-migrant protests in South Africa, which the South African officials deny.
Ghana Demands Investigation and Justice
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs ministry expressed profound shock over the killing of Bashiru Isak, 40, in Cape Town’s Khayelitsha township and sent a formal protest note to the police.
South Africa Denies Involvement and Calls Claims ‘Fabricated’
South Africa’s justice minister expressed concern over what it called ‘false information’ from Ghanaian authorities regarding irregular migration. The police denied having a record of the Khayelitsha murder but are investigating the killing of a 35-year-old Ghanaian in a different township.
Anti-Migrant Protests and Repatriations
South African anti-migrant groups set an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country, leading to thousands marching in major cities. Ghana, Malawi and Nigeria have repatriated citizens to escape violence and intimidation.
The police reported peaceful protests but arrested 900 people for immigration-related offences and looting.
