The government has repatriated the body of Bashiru Isak, the Ghanaian national who was killed during xenophobic attacks in South Africa, as it continues to demand justice over his death.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 16, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Isak’s mortal remains arrived in Ghana on Tuesday, July 14, at 6:40 p.m. through arrangements facilitated by Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria, with the consent of his family.
According to the ministry, family members and senior officials received the body on arrival before it was deposited at the 37 Military Hospital.
The ministry also confirmed that the deceased, who was fatally shot multiple times in Khayelitsha, a suburb of Cape Town, was Bashiru Isak, describing him as a law-abiding citizen and a loving father of three.
It said the confirmation contradicts “false claims” initially made by some South African officials regarding the identity of the deceased.
The government further disclosed that it had agreed with the family to conduct an independent autopsy after both the family and Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria were unable to obtain an official autopsy report from South African authorities.
“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 said.
It added that Bashiru Isak would be buried in accordance with Islamic customs after the independent autopsy is completed.
The ministry stressed that the government remains committed to pursuing all appropriate diplomatic and legal avenues to ensure justice is served.
Bashiru Isak was killed in Khayelitsha amid a recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa. His death sparked widespread concern in Ghana, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously engaging South African authorities and demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The ministry extended its condolences to the late Isak’s parents, wife, children, friends and loved ones.