The South African government has disputed Ghana’s claim that a Ghanaian national was killed during anti-immigrant demonstrations in Cape Town, insisting that police investigations indicate the incident was a criminal act unrelated to xenophobic violence.
In a statement issued on July 2, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi said the victim was attacked at his workplace, a barbershop in Nyanga, on June 29. According to the Western Cape Police, unknown assailants reportedly demanded money before fatally shooting him and fleeing the scene, with investigators suspecting the motive was linked to extortion.
South African authorities described Ghana’s earlier statement attributing the killing to anti-immigrant demonstrations as factually incorrect, adding that no fatalities had been recorded during the demonstrations. The government urged that diplomatic concerns be addressed through official channels and emphasised the importance of accurate communication between both countries.
While expressing condolences to the victim’s family, South Africa assured that law enforcement agencies are investigating the case and pledged to bring those responsible to justice. It also rejected suggestions that the killing was part of a xenophobic attack, maintaining that ongoing investigations point to an isolated criminal incident.