The Chairman/CEO 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, describing the incident as disturbing and unacceptable.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa expressed deep concern over what she described as the increasing rate of criminality and killings of Nigerians in South Africa. She called on South African authorities to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the murder.
She noted that Nigeria and South Africa share longstanding diplomatic and historical ties as “African brothers,” and questioned why some individuals continue to perpetrate violent crimes against fellow Africans.
Dabiri-Erewa urged South African authorities to ensure justice is served and to guarantee the protection of lives and property of non-indigenes residing in the country. She also reiterated the need to strengthen rapid response protocols and institutionalise structured escalation mechanisms for handling diaspora-related incidents.
The NIDCOM boss further pledged that the Commission would intensify risk mapping and structured engagement with host authorities to prevent similar occurrences.
Meanwhile, South African police 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, on charges of car hijacking and murder.
According to police reports, Satlet had picked up passengers through an e-hailing platform when he was allegedly attacked by a male and female pair who hijacked his vehicle. His body and the stolen vehicle were later discovered in Atteridgeville. Dashcam footage reportedly aided in the swift arrest of the female suspect, while authorities continue the search for the male suspect, with further arrests anticipated.
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The incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for improved safety measures for e-hailing drivers operating in South Africa.
Satlet, a student who was due to graduate next month, was described by associates as hardworking and ambitious, with plans to further his studies in Canada.
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