South African Police Confirm Murder of Ghanaian, Link Killing to Suspected Extortion
Victim, identified as 35-year-old Kwabena Boagen, was shot dead in Nyanga as police launch a murder investigation and appeal for information on a separate reported killing.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape has confirmed the murder of a Ghanaian national, saying preliminary investigations suggest the fatal shooting was linked to extortion.
In a statement issued on Thursday, July 2, SAPS identified the deceased as 35-year-old Kwabena Boagen, who was gunned down on Monday, June 29, at approximately 3:45 p.m. at the Nyanga Terminus, in front of the NTG Hair Salon and Shoe Repairs.
According to police, Mr. Boagen was attacked by unidentified gunmen in what investigators believe were circumstances related to extortion. Emergency Medical Services personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
Authorities have opened a murder investigation, with detectives from the Nyanga unit leading efforts to identify and arrest those responsible. Police said they have informed the victim’s family and extended their condolences.
Investigators revealed that although Mr. Boagen resided in the Khayelitsha area, he worked in Nyanga. A post-mortem examination is currently underway in accordance with South African legal procedures.
SAPS also addressed a recent statement by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the alleged killing of another Ghanaian in Khayelitsha. The police said they have no official record of such an incident and have requested the Ghanaian authorities to provide further details to assist with investigations.
“With regard to the media release issued by the Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the South African Police Service has no record of the alleged murder in Khayelitsha. An earnest plea is therefore made to the authorities concerned to provide details of the alleged Khayelitsha incident to the SAPS to enable further investigation,” the statement said.
Police say investigations are ongoing as detectives continue to pursue leads in the case.
The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa, particularly amid renewed anti-immigration protests in some communities.
