South Africa challenges Ablakwa over 15 Ghanaians in critical condition claim

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has denied claims that 15 Ghanaians are currently hospitalised or critically injured following recent xenophobic unrest in the country.

His reaction follows an interview granted by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on JoyNews on June 6, 2026.

In the interview, Ablakwa provided an update on Ghanaians affected by the attacks, indicating that at least 15 people had sustained severe injuries. He further noted that one female victim remained in critical condition in South Africa.

15 Critical Injuries and More: Ablakwa gives update on Ghanaians injured in Xenophobic attacks in SA

“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.

"So we have those serious cases. So there is some willingness to compensate when it comes to the harm caused to life and the personal injuries that are occasioned by the attack,” he said.

Reacting to Ablakwa’s interview on X on June 6, 2026, he said his ministry has not received any official information confirming such a figure, adding that the claim was being reported without any supporting evidence from South African authorities or Ghana’s diplomatic mission.

“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.

Lamola further indicated that Ghana’s High Commissioner in South Africa had not formally communicated any such cases to his office.

“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,” he added.

Lamola also described Ablakwa’s interview as a “deeply disappointing interview, replete with misinformation”.

In his strongly worded response, Lamola said reports suggesting that Nigerians and Mozambicans were killed during the recent wave of attacks in South Africa were not supported by available information.

He rejected Ablakwa’s claim that two Nigerians had died in the unrest, insisting that no Nigerian national has been confirmed dead in the current 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.

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“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. We once again convey our sincere condolences to the government and people of Mozambique,” he added.

Lamola stressed the need for accurate reporting and verified information in handling sensitive diplomatic and security issues.

A deeply disappointing interview, replete with misinformation.

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… https://t.co/mlkbMiJiAd pic.twitter.com/RxjJWB0OmL

— Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) June 6, 2026

MAG/BAI

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