A Ghanaian national has been shot dead in South Africa amid heightened tensions following recent anti-immigration protests across parts of the country, prompting renewed concerns over the safety of foreign nationals.
The incident was confirmed to Citi News by Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Benjamin Quashie, who said the victim was a Ghanaian citizen. However, he did not disclose the victim’s identity or provide details on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have also not officially established whether the killing was directly linked to the anti-immigration demonstrations that intensified on Tuesday, June 30.
The fatal shooting comes at a time of growing anxiety among migrant communities in South Africa following renewed protests demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws and the removal of undocumented foreign nationals.
The demonstrations have led to heightened security operations in several areas and raised fears among many migrants.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, the Government of Ghana has stepped up efforts to assist citizens who wish to return home under its voluntary repatriation programme.
More than 900 Ghanaians have so far been evacuated from South Africa, with additional repatriation flights expected to take place next week as authorities continue to receive requests from citizens seeking to return home.
The Ghana High Commission has urged Ghanaians remaining in South Africa to stay vigilant, avoid areas where protests are taking place, and maintain regular contact with the mission for updates and assistance.
Ghanaian authorities say they will continue to monitor the situation closely while engaging South African officials to safeguard the lives and welfare of Ghanaians living in the country as investigations into the fatal shooting continue.
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