SAPS: Fatal Shooting of Ghanaian in Nyanga Linked to Extortion, Not Xenophobic Violence

Edited by: Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah – Paaps – 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape has stated that the fatal shooting of a Ghanaian national in Nyanga, Cape Town, was linked to extortion-related criminal activity and not xenophobic violence, contrary to earlier reports.

In a statement published on its official Facebook page, SAPS identified the deceased as Kwabena Boagen, 35, who was shot and killed on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Nyanga Terminus.

According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 3:45 p.m. outside NTG Hair Salon and Shoe Repairs, where unidentified gunmen allegedly opened fire on the victim before fleeing the scene.

Emergency Medical Services responded promptly but pronounced Mr. Boagen dead at the scene.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape confirms the murder of a Ghanaian national in Nyanga on Monday, 29 June 2026, in circumstances believed to be linked to the crime of extortion,” the police statement said.

Investigators from the Nyanga police are leading the murder investigation and have indicated that preliminary findings point to extortion as the likely motive behind the killing. No arrests have been made, and investigations remain ongoing.

SAPS also confirmed that officers have contacted a relative of the deceased to convey the Service’s condolences. Police records indicate that Mr. Boagen lived in neighbouring Khayelitsha but operated his business in Nyanga, where the shooting occurred.

Authorities further disclosed that a post-mortem examination is being conducted by South Africa’s Department of Health in accordance with legal procedures.

The police clarification follows an earlier statement by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which condemned the killing and suggested it was linked to anti-immigrant protests and xenophobic attacks in Khayelitsha.

However, SAPS said its records do not support that account.

“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,” the statement noted.

The latest update from SAPS shifts the focus of the investigation from suspected xenophobic violence to organised criminal activity, as authorities continue efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for Mr. Boagen’s death.