The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly condemned the killing of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlet, in Pretoria, South Africa, and called for the swift arrest and prosecution of all those responsible.
In a statement issued by the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described the rising cases of criminal attacks and killings of Nigerians in South Africa as deeply troubling, stressing that the trend demands urgent attention from the authorities.
She recalled the longstanding fraternal relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, lamenting that acts of violence against fellow Africans undermine shared values of unity and solidarity.
The NiDCOM boss urged South African authorities to ensure justice for the murdered Nigerian and to strengthen measures that guarantee the safety of non-indigenes and foreign nationals across the country.
She also reiterated the need to reinforce rapid response protocols and institutionalised escalation mechanisms for diaspora-related incidents, saying that the Commission would intensify risk mapping and structured engagement with host-country authorities.
Suspect Arrested
Meanwhile, South African police have reportedly arrested a female suspect in connection with the killing of Satlet, who was attacked on February 11, 2026, after picking up passengers via an e-hailing platform.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on February 16, 2026, on charges of car hijacking and murder.
Police reports indicate that the victim was assaulted by a male and female pair who hijacked his vehicle.
His body and the stolen car were later recovered in Atteridgeville.
Dashcam footage captured during the incident reportedly aided the swift arrest of the female suspect, while a manhunt continues for the male accomplice, with further arrests anticipated.
The killing has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for improved safety measures for e-hailing drivers.
Satlet, a student who was due to graduate next month, was remembered by family and friends as hardworking and ambitious, with aspirations to further his education in Canada.