Trending 
South African authorities have pledged a rigorous crackdown on individuals involved in xenophobic violence against Ghanaian citizens and other foreign nationals.
This commitment follows a formal protest from the Ghanaian government after several videos of targeted incidents began circulating on social media.
In response to the growing tension, South Africa’s police ministry emphasised that anyone found inciting or participating in acts of lawlessness will be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
The diplomatic friction intensified on Thursday when Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, summoned South Africa’s envoy to demand immediate intervention.
The ministry highlighted a specific incident in KwaZulu-Natal where a Ghanaian national was harassed and ordered to leave the country.
Migrant rights advocates have noted that foreigners are increasingly being used as scapegoats for South Africa’s current economic challenges, leading to localised escalations of intimidation.
South African Foreign Affairs Minister Ronald Lamola addressed the situation during a government meeting, stating that violence against migrant communities is a direct threat to the nation’s constitutional democracy.
He asserted that such acts of intimidation have no place in the country and called for a unified response.
To prevent further escalation, police have reached out to civil society groups and community leaders to foster dialogue and ensure the safety of all residents.
