Lamola dismisses claims of Nigerian and Ghanaian casualties during anti-illegal immigration protests

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has refuted online claims suggesting that Nigerian and Ghanaian nationals were among the victims of recent anti-illegal immigration protests in South Africa.

In a statement posted on social media platform X on Sunday, Lamola said there was no evidence to support reports that Nigerian citizens had been killed during the demonstrations. He characterised the circulating information as misinformation and urged caution when sharing unverified claims.

The minister confirmed, however, that law enforcement agencies are investigating the deaths of two Mozambican nationals reportedly linked to the unrest.

Lamola also questioned reports alleging that 15 Ghanaian citizens had been admitted to hospital after sustaining injuries during the protests. According to the minister, South African authorities have not received any formal communication from Ghanaian diplomatic representatives regarding such incidents.

He said officials responsible for liaising with the Ghanaian High Commission had not been informed through official diplomatic channels, including any note verbale, about Ghanaian nationals receiving treatment in local hospitals.

The comments come amid heightened tensions surrounding anti-illegal immigration demonstrations and the spread of unverified information on social media. Authorities have urged the public to rely on confirmed information while investigations into reported incidents continue.