South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has moved to counter what he describes as misinformation surrounding recent anti-immigration protests, rejecting claims that Nigerian nationals were killed during the demonstrations and questioning reports that dozens of Ghanaian citizens were injured.
The minister’s remarks come amid growing concern over the spread of unverified information on social media following a wave of anti-immigration protests that have sparked debate both within South Africa and across the African continent.
As tensions continue to rise over immigration and public safety, Lamola has urged the public to rely on verified information rather than online speculation, warning that false reports could inflame tensions and damage diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries.
Lamola Rejects Reports of Nigerian Deaths
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Lamola firmly dismissed allegations that Nigerian nationals had been killed during the recent protests.
According to the minister, government officials have not found any credible evidence supporting claims that Nigerians were among those killed during the demonstrations. He stressed that authorities remain in close contact with diplomatic representatives and continue to monitor the situation carefully.
The reports had circulated widely online, prompting concern among communities in South Africa and abroad. However, Lamola said the available information does not support the claims and cautioned against spreading unverified allegations.
The minister emphasized that inaccurate information can create unnecessary fear and contribute to tensions between communities at a time when responsible communication is essential.
His intervention reflects the government’s broader effort to prevent misinformation from influencing public perceptions of events linked to immigration-related protests.
While rejecting claims involving Nigerian nationals, Lamola confirmed that South African authorities are investigating the deaths of two Mozambican citizens.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation, and officials have not yet released detailed findings regarding the incidents.
Lamola said law enforcement agencies are actively working to establish the facts and determine whether the deaths were connected to the protests or resulted from other circumstances.
The minister stressed that South Africa takes the safety of all foreign nationals seriously and remains committed to ensuring that any criminal acts are properly investigated.
The confirmation of the investigation has drawn attention to the broader concerns surrounding the safety of migrants and foreign nationals living in South Africa. Advocacy groups have repeatedly called for stronger protections and swift action whenever incidents involving foreign citizens occur.
Lamola’s comments indicate that government departments are maintaining communication with affected countries while awaiting the outcome of official investigations.
Another claim challenged by Lamola involved reports suggesting that 15 Ghanaian citizens had been hospitalised after suffering injuries during the anti-immigration protests.
The minister said there is currently no evidence supporting these reports and noted that diplomatic channels have not received any official communication from Ghanaian authorities regarding such incidents.
According to Lamola, South African officials responsible for liaising with Ghana’s diplomatic mission were specifically asked to verify the reports.
He explained that government representatives checked whether a formal diplomatic note, known as a note verbale, had been submitted concerning injured Ghanaian nationals receiving treatment in South African hospitals.
The response, according to Lamola, was clear.
“I have also verified with our officials responsible and dealing with the Ghanaian High Commissioner in South Africa, whether they have received a note verbale about these injured Ghanaian nationals in our hospitals,” he said.
“And they have also said they have not received any such note verbale.”
The minister’s statement suggests that authorities have found no official confirmation of the alleged injuries despite the widespread circulation of the claims online.
The controversy highlights the growing challenge governments face in combating misinformation during periods of social and political tension.
Lamola warned that false reports can have serious consequences, particularly when they involve sensitive issues such as migration, public safety, and relations between African nations.
Unverified claims can quickly spread across social media platforms, often reaching large audiences before authorities have an opportunity to establish the facts. In some cases, inaccurate information can fuel panic, increase hostility, and complicate ongoing investigations.
The minister emphasized the importance of allowing law enforcement agencies and diplomatic channels to verify information before conclusions are drawn.
Government officials have repeatedly encouraged members of the public, community leaders, and media organisations to exercise caution when sharing reports related to the protests.
Beyond addressing the immediate controversy, Lamola’s intervention reflects South Africa’s broader commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties with countries across the continent.
South Africa hosts large communities of migrants from various African nations, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and others. Any reports suggesting violence against foreign nationals have the potential to strain diplomatic relations and create concerns among expatriate communities.
By publicly addressing the allegations, Lamola appears intent on ensuring that international partners receive accurate information while investigations continue.
As authorities work to establish the facts surrounding recent incidents, Lamola has urged the public to avoid spreading unverified claims and to rely on official updates from law enforcement agencies and diplomatic institutions.
For now, the minister remains adamant that there is no evidence supporting reports of Nigerian deaths or injured Ghanaian nationals, while investigations into the deaths of two Mozambican citizens continue. His message underscores the importance of accuracy, accountability, and responsible communication during a period of heightened national debate over immigration and social stability.
Source- EWN
