No Ghanaian Killed in Xenophobic Attacks - SA High Commissioner  

The South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Lulama Xingwana says no Ghanaian has been killed in the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Madam Lulama said a Ghanaian, Emmanuel Agyekum who died on 7th April in Durban was as a result of an epileptic attack and his death had nothing to do with the xenophobic violence.

Madam Lulama also said media reports that four other Ghanaians who died was due to xenophobic attacks is not true because the Ghana High Commission in South Africa and the Police have confirmed that the attacks were not in Hebron, where the deceased resided.

Investigations are ongoing to find out the cause of death.

Madam Lulama made this known at a news conference in Accra.

She said the South African government views the attacks on foreign nationals as a criminal offence that will not be tolerated.

GBC


Emmanuel Quaicoe died of epileptic complications – SA High Commissioner

Apr 20, 2015 0

Ghanaian Emmanuel Quaicoe suspected to have been a victim of the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa died from epileptic complications, the South African High Commissioner has said.

Lulama Xingwana told journalists on Monday, April 20 that Quaicoe, who died on April 7 in Durban, was an epileptic patient.

“He had an [epileptic] attack on the streets of KwaMashu in Durban and died,” Ms Xingwana explained.

“He was taken to hospital and postmortem reports stated that he died of natural causes.”

Quaicoe is reported to have been found lying on the streets of Durban with head injuries and his mobile phone by his side.

Recent waves of xenophobic attacks in South Africa have left 10 foreign nationals dead with hundreds having to seek refuge in temporary camps.

The attacks are said to have been fueled by a recent pronouncement by Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, who has since denied such allegation, distancing himself from the attacks. He has been scheduled to address a gathering at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Monday, April 20 to calm the violence.

Ms Xingwana, on behalf of the South African government, condemned the attacks.

“We condemn, nonetheless, in the strongest possible terms the recent outbreak of violent attacks in parts of the country against foreign nationals particularly fellow Africans from various countries on the continent.”

She said her outfit has been liaising with South Africa’s Ministry of Police among other key stakeholders over the effects of the attacks on Ghanaians.

“All of them have confirmed to us that no Ghanaians citizen has died because of the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.”

News broke over the weekend that four Ghanaians were found dead in a locked salon in Heilbron in Free State.

An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted on the deceased – one gentleman, two ladies and a baby – on Monday, Ghana’s ambassador Kwesi Ahwoi told TV3 on Sunday.

“It has clearly been declared that it is not from the xenophobic attacks,” Ms Xingwana said about the deaths in Heilbron.

Meanwhile, reports say plans are being made to bury Mr Quaicoe in South Africa.

Though he hails from Western Region, colleagues have planned to hold a funeral and burial processions for him in Durban.