Government Repatriates Body Of Ghanaian killed In South Africa

The government of Ghana has repatriated the body of a citizen who was killed in South Africa, as it continues to demand justice over his death amid reported xenophobic attacks.

In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the victim was Bashiru Isak, who was shot multiple times in Khayelitsha, a suburb of Cape Town.

It described him as a law-abiding man and father of three, adding that his identity contradicted earlier claims made by some South African officials.

The ministry said Isak’s remains were flown to Ghana through the country’s High Commission in Pretoria with the consent of his family.

The body arrived at Kotoka International Airport on Tuesday, 14 July, at 18:40 GMT and was received by family members and senior officials from the ministry before being transferred to the 37 Military Hospital.

The ministry said it had agreed with the family to conduct an independent autopsy after both the family and the High Commission were unable to obtain an official post-mortem report from the South African authorities.

The government renewed its call for a swift investigation into the killing, urging South African authorities to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. It said there should be “no room for silence or cover-ups” in the case.

The statement added that Isak would be buried according to Islamic rites after the autopsy. It also reiterated Ghana’s commitment to pursuing all appropriate diplomatic and legal avenues to ensure justice is served, while extending condolences to his parents, wife, children and other relatives.