Accra: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that Bashiru Isak, the Ghanaian national killed in South Africa, was a father of three who was shot multiple times in Khayelitsha, a suburb of Cape Town.
According to Ghana Web, the Ministry, in an update to its earlier statement issued on July 1, 2026, confirmed that Isak was the deceased Ghanaian whose killing occurred in circumstances linked to the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa. It described Isak as a law-abiding citizen and a loving father, dismissing what it said were false claims initially made by some South African officials regarding his identity.
The Ministry also announced that Isak's mortal remains have been repatriated to Ghana following arrangements made by the Government of Ghana through its High Commission in Pretoria, with the consent of his bereaved family. His body arrived in Ghana on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 6:40 pm, and was received by family members and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the airport. The remains have since been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
The government expressed its condolences to Isak's parents, wife, children, friends and loved ones, assuring them of its continued support following the loss. The ministry further disclosed that an independent autopsy would be conducted after Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria and the deceased's family were unsuccessful in obtaining an autopsy report from South African authorities.
It said the decision was aimed at establishing further details surrounding his death and ensuring transparency in the investigation process. The government has renewed its demand for justice, calling for expedited investigations, arrests and prosecution of persons responsible for Isak's killing.
'The Government of Ghana renews its demand for justice. We expect expedited investigations, arrests and prosecution. There must be no room for silence or cover-ups in the gruesome killing of Mr. Isak,' the ministry stated. Isak will be buried according to Islamic customs after the completion of the independent autopsy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all appropriate diplomatic and legal avenues to ensure that justice is served. Bashiru, a 40-year-old Ghanaian national, was killed during anti-immigrant protests in South Africa on June 30, 2026. He was shot dead in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, during demonstrations linked to xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals.