Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Anani Quashie, says authorities have halted a planned burial for a Ghanaian citizen who was killed in East London, South Africa.
According to Mr Quashie, the victim’s body was found with stab wounds following an armed robbery attack three weeks ago.
“We got to know that the gentleman was stabbed to death by armed robbers, and it happened three weeks ago,” he said in an interview on JoyNews. “They just left his body there, and we only got to know after three weeks.”
He disclosed that there were plans to bury the victim in a mass grave. However, the move was stopped by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has since demanded a full investigation.
“In fact, they wanted to mass-bury the gentleman, but the Minister gave instructions that he should not be buried until a full investigation is completed…I’m sure that the era of Ghanaians or any other person being killed, and South African authorities just brushing it aside… I think that era is over.”
Ghana is seeking answers on the circumstances of the killing and compensation for the family.
“We want to know who killed him, why he was killed, and we want compensation given to his family,” the High Commissioner stated.
Meanwhile, he confirmed that the deceased’s family had been traced in Ghana.
“The family has been identified in Ghana. We’ve spoken to them,” he said, describing the situation as deeply distressing.
“It has been a difficult one for them, because this is a breadwinner in the family.”
He also highlighted the emotional toll of the killing.
“When you hear the story as to how they killed him, it’s really, really pathetic,” he added.
Mr Quashie pledged to continue pressuring South African authorities to ensure accountability.
“We will ensure there’s accountability. We will account for every single individual, be it Ghanaian, be it any African person,” he said. “When we get to know it, until justice is done, we will not stop.”
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Source:
opemsuo.com