South Africa is managing growing diplomatic fallout following recent nationwide protests against undocumented immigration, responding to Nigeria’s call for compensation for affected citizens while rejecting what it describes as inaccurate statements issued by Ghana regarding a fatal shooting involving one of its nationals.
The developments come as authorities continue processing deportations and voluntary repatriations of undocumented foreign nationals, many of whom were found to have overstayed their visas by more than 30 days. Under South Africa’s Immigration Act, those individuals have been declared undesirable and prohibited from re-entering the country for five years.
The government has maintained that immigration enforcement measures are being implemented in accordance with existing legislation and legal procedures.
Government says compensation claims will follow legal processes
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated that it intends to engage the South African government over losses allegedly suffered by some Nigerian citizens during recent anti-illegal immigration protests.
Speaking to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said Nigeria would seek compensation on behalf of affected nationals.
Responding to the request, Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said South Africa would consider any claims through established legal channels rather than adopting a blanket approach.
According to Phiri, every matter would be assessed individually, with claimants able to pursue available legal remedies through South Africa’s judicial system where appropriate. He added that any involvement by private institutions would also follow the country’s legal processes.
The government has stressed that immigration enforcement and any subsequent civil claims remain separate legal matters.
South Africa disputes Ghana’s account of fatal shooting
At the same time, South African authorities have expressed concern over statements issued by the Ghanaian government linking the death of a Ghanaian national to anti-immigration demonstrations.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said the information released by Ghana was factually incorrect because the fatal shooting occurred on 29 June, one day before the nationwide demonstrations held on 30 June.
According to the Western Cape police, the 35-year-old victim was working at a barber shop in Nyanga when armed suspects allegedly entered the premises demanding money before fatally shooting him. Police believe the incident was linked to extortion rather than the immigration protests, and investigations remain ongoing.
Kubayi said no fatalities were recorded during the 30 June demonstrations and warned that inaccurate information could contribute to misleading narratives about developments in South Africa.
She extended condolences to the victim’s family while reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the killing are brought before the courts.
The latest diplomatic exchanges come as immigration enforcement continues to dominate public debate in South Africa, with government balancing border security, international relations and legal obligations while responding to concerns surrounding undocumented migration.
Source: Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO); Department of Justice and Constitutional Development; South African Police Service (SAPS)