South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has challenged claims by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that 15 Ghanaians sustained serious injuries during recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Lamola’s response follows an interview granted by Ablakwa on JoyNews on June 6, 2026, in which he provided an update on the condition of Ghanaians affected by the violence.
According to Ablakwa, at least 15 Ghanaians suffered severe injuries, with one female victim reportedly remaining in critical condition and unable to be evacuated due to medical advice.
“In terms of the attacks, there are at least 15 serious cases, 15 very serious cases. As we speak, there is a lady who we have not been able to evacuate because doctors have advised that she’s too fragile, the situation is too precarious to be flown out,” Ablakwa stated.
He added that discussions on compensation for victims were ongoing, particularly regarding injuries and loss of life resulting from the attacks.
Responding in a post on X on June 6, Lamola said South African authorities had not received any official information supporting the claim that 15 Ghanaians were hospitalised or critically injured.
“It is therefore deeply strange that we are hearing for the first time, through this interview, that 15 Ghanaians are currently hospitalised. We have no information of that nature whatsoever,” he stated.
The South African minister further indicated that Ghana’s High Commissioner had not formally communicated such cases to his ministry.
“In fact, to date, the High Commissioner has not shared any information with us, not even regarding the single individual he previously discussed in media interviews,” Lamola added.
He described Ablakwa’s comments as a “deeply disappointing interview, replete with misinformation,” and also disputed reports regarding deaths of foreign nationals during the unrest.
Lamola rejected claims that two Nigerian nationals were killed during the attacks, insisting that no Nigerian citizen had been confirmed dead in connection with the recent incidents.
“First, the claim that two Nigerians have been killed during the current wave of attacks remains entirely unsubstantiated by available information. No Nigerian National has been killed during the current waves of attacks in South Africa,” he said.
He also disputed reports that five Mozambicans had died, clarifying that South African police are investigating the deaths of two Mozambican nationals.
“Second, it is untrue that five Mozambicans were killed. While there is an active South African Police Service investigation into the deaths of two Mozambican nationals, deaths we deeply regret, we trust that this matter will be thoroughly investigated, resulting in clear accountability and justice,” he stated.
Lamola stressed the importance of relying on verified information when discussing sensitive diplomatic and security matters, urging caution in public communication surrounding the attacks and their impact on foreign nationals.
