The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri‑Erewa, has condemned the killing of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlet, in Pretoria, South Africa, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those responsible.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur‑Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described the recurring attacks and killings of Nigerians in South Africa as disturbing and unacceptable, stressing that the trend requires urgent intervention by relevant authorities.
She lamented that such acts of violence contradict the longstanding diplomatic and fraternal ties between Nigeria and South Africa, noting that assaults on fellow Africans undermine the spirit of continental unity and cooperation.
The NiDCOM boss urged South African authorities to ensure justice for the slain Nigerian and strengthen security measures to protect foreign nationals and non-indigenes residing in the country. She also called for improved rapid-response systems and institutionalised escalation channels for handling diaspora-related emergencies, adding that the Commission would intensify risk-mapping and structured engagement with host governments.
Meanwhile, South African police have reportedly arrested a female suspect in connection with the killing. She is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on February 16, 2026, to face charges of carjacking and murder.
Preliminary police reports indicated that the victim was attacked by a male and female pair after picking them up through an e-hailing platform. His body and the stolen vehicle were later recovered in Atteridgeville.
Investigators disclosed that dashcam footage from the vehicle assisted in tracking and arresting the female suspect, while a manhunt is ongoing for her alleged accomplice, with further arrests expected.
The incident has triggered outrage among Nigerians at home and abroad, with renewed calls for stronger safety protections for e-hailing drivers. Satlet, who was said to be preparing for graduation next month, was described by relatives as diligent and ambitious, with plans to further his education in Canada.
