By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly condemned the killing of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlet, in Pretoria, South Africa, describing the incident as deeply troubling and calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those responsible.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa expressed grave concern over what she described as the increasing rate of criminal attacks and killings involving Nigerians in South Africa.
She said the persistent incidents have become worrisome and require urgent and decisive action from the South African authorities.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that Nigeria and South Africa share a long history of solidarity and brotherhood, especially during the anti-apartheid struggle, and questioned why some individuals would perpetrate violent crimes against fellow Africans.
She urged the South African government and security agencies to ensure that justice is served in the case of the murdered Nigerian driver, stressing the need to guarantee the protection of lives and property of Nigerians and other foreign nationals residing in the country.
The NiDCOM Chairman also reiterated the importance of strengthening rapid response protocols and institutionalising structured escalation mechanisms for handling diaspora-related incidents, noting that such measures would improve accountability and enhance protection for Nigerians abroad.
She further reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to intensifying risk mapping and strengthening structured engagement with host authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in foreign countries.
Meanwhile, South African authorities have reportedly arrested a female suspect in connection with the murder, which occurred on February 11, 2026, in Pretoria West.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on February 16, 2026, to face charges of car hijacking and murder.
According to police reports, Satlet was attacked after picking up passengers through an e-hailing platform. He was allegedly assaulted by a male and female pair who subsequently hijacked his vehicle.
His lifeless body and the stolen vehicle were later discovered in Atteridgeville, while dashcam footage from the vehicle provided crucial evidence that led to the swift arrest of the female suspect. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the male accomplice, with additional arrests expected.
The tragic killing has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for improved safety measures for e-hailing drivers in South Africa, many of whom face significant risks in the course of their work.
Satlet, who was a student and was scheduled to graduate next month, has been described by family and friends as hardworking, focused, and ambitious. He was said to have been planning to further his education in Canada before his life was cut short.
