Yasmin Bilal
The South African government has rejected claims by Ghana that a Ghanaian national was killed during anti-illegal immigration demonstrations. It says the incident was a criminal attack and not linked to the protests.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration, said the shooting was misrepresented. She added that it took place a day before the demonstrations.
The response follows a statement from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. The statement claimed a Ghanaian national was fatally wounded during anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to alleged xenophobic attacks.
Kubayi said the timeline provided by the Ghanaian authorities was incorrect. She said it did not match events on the ground.
“According to a statement by the Ghanaian authorities, issued yesterday, a Ghanaian national was fatally wounded in a shooting that occurred ‘on Monday, 30th June, during anti-immigrant demonstrations linked to ongoing xenophobic attacks’,” she said.
“In addition to being factually incorrect, because the irregular migration protests took place on Tuesday, 30th June, this statement is not based on fact. The Ghanaian national who was fatally wounded was attacked at his place of work on Monday. Police suspect it was a criminal act. It is not linked to the demonstrations,” Kubayi said.
She said information from Western Cape police showed the victim was shot at a barbershop in Emms Drive, Nyanga, on Monday afternoon.
Police said the 35-year-old man was found with gunshot wounds. He was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel.
According to police, unknown suspects entered the barbershop. They demanded money and then opened fire before fleeing. The suspects remain at large.
“The motive for the attack is believed to be extortion related,” police said.
Police have appealed to members of the public, urging anyone with information to come forward to assist the investigation.
Kubayi said it was concerning that Ghanaian authorities continued to circulate what she described as inaccurate information about developments in South Africa.
“It is concerning that Ghanaian authorities continue to communicate false information about South Africa regarding developments on irregular migration,” she said.
“The fact of the matter is that no fatalities have been recorded during the day of these demonstrations. Isolated incidents of criminality that occurred on the day have been acted upon by law enforcement authorities,” she said.
Kubayi also urged African countries to rely on established diplomatic channels when raising concerns.
“We regret all loss of life on our shores. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. We assure them that law enforcement authorities will investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators to book,” she said.
She added that the spread of false information suggesting South Africa was xenophobic was unacceptable and unhelpful to diplomatic relations.