Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa said on June 3, 2026, that a Ghanaian woman is in intensive care after an alleged xenophobic attack at her shop. According to the High Commissioner, a group of South Africans entered the premises, demanded to see her documents, and then asked for money; when she refused, she was beaten severely. The allegation has not yet been independently confirmed by South African authorities. The incident comes amid a wider wave of attacks on African nationals in South Africa, which Human Rights Watch documented across April and May 2026 in cities including Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban.
High Commissioner account
Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa told JoyPrime on June 3, 2026 that a Ghanaian woman was beaten severely after a group of South Africans entered her shop, demanded to see her documents, and then demanded money. The High Commission is following up with South African police.
Verification pending
At time of publication, South African authorities had not publicly commented on the alleged assault, and independent verification was not yet available. The High Commissioner's account is reported as a single-source claim pending confirmation.
Voluntary repatriation
Ghana's High Commission in Pretoria is coordinating voluntary repatriation for Ghanaian nationals who no longer feel safe in South Africa. The Commission has not released a figure for those registering, but Accra has previously confirmed several hundred enrolments.
Wider pattern of attacks
Human Rights Watch documented a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks across South Africa during April and May 2026. The organisation cited incidents in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban, and named a citizen movement called March and March as a driver of street-level demonstrations.
AU debate request
Accra has formally requested an African Union debate on xenophobic violence against African nationals in South Africa. South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has published its formal response to the request.
Mentioned in this story
Coordinating voluntary repatriation of Ghanaian nationals and following up the alleged assault with South African police.
Documented a fresh wave of xenophobic attacks across South Africa in April-May 2026.
Organises demonstrations against undocumented migrants; HRW has linked some demonstrations to violent incidents.
Issued the formal South African response to Ghana's request for an African Union debate on xenophobic attacks.
Has been asked by Ghana to convene a debate on xenophobic attacks in South Africa against African nationals.