The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned the killing of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlet, in Pretoria, South Africa.
In a statement issued on Sunday by NiDCOM spokesman Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa demanded justice and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killing.
She described the rising cases of criminality and killings of Nigerians in South Africa as worrisome and a matter of serious concern, noting that Nigeria and South Africa share longstanding ties as African partners.
Dabiri-Erewa urged South African authorities to ensure justice for the murdered driver and to strengthen measures to protect the lives and property of non-indigenes in the country.
She also reiterated the need to enhance rapid response protocols and institutionalised structured escalation mechanisms for diaspora-related incidents, while expressing the commission’s resolve to intensify risk mapping and engagement with host authorities.
Meanwhile, a female suspect has reportedly been arrested in connection with the murder of Satlet in Pretoria West. The incident occurred on February 11, 2026, after he picked up passengers through an e-hailing platform.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on February 16, 2026, facing charges of carjacking and murder.
According to police reports, Satlet was attacked by a male and female pair who hijacked his vehicle. His body and the stolen car were later discovered in Atteridgeville. Dashcam footage capturing part of the incident reportedly aided the swift arrest of the female suspect, while authorities continue to search for the male suspect, with more arrests expected.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for improved safety measures for e-hailing drivers.
Satlet, a student who was set to graduate next month, was remembered as hardworking and ambitious, with plans to further his studies in Canada.
