Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has strongly condemned the killing of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlet, in Pretoria, South Africa, describing the incident as tragic, disturbing, and unacceptable.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued on Sunday by the commission’s spokesman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed deep concern over the rising cases of violent attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa and demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those responsible.
Dabiri-Erewa said the continuous loss of Nigerian lives in the country has become alarming and called on South African authorities to take decisive steps to curb the growing insecurity.
She stressed that Nigeria and South Africa share a long-standing history of cooperation and brotherhood, noting that such acts of brutality against fellow Africans undermine the spirit of unity on the continent.
The NiDCOM boss urged South African law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is fully served in Satlet’s case and to guarantee adequate protection for Nigerians and other foreign nationals residing in the country.
She also reiterated the need for stronger rapid response mechanisms, improved security coordination, and structured escalation procedures in handling diaspora-related emergencies.
According to the commission, efforts are being intensified to improve risk assessment, strengthen engagement with host authorities, and enhance early-warning systems to prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, South African police have confirmed the arrest of a female suspect linked to the killing, while a manhunt is ongoing for her male accomplice. The suspect is expected to be arraigned at the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on February 16, 2026, on charges of murder and carjacking.
The incident reportedly occurred on February 11, 2026, after Satlet picked up two passengers through an e-hailing platform in Pretoria West. Police investigations revealed that the suspects attacked and overpowered him before hijacking his vehicle. His body and the stolen car were later discovered in Atteridgeville.
Dashcam footage recovered from the vehicle reportedly played a key role in tracking and arresting the female suspect. Security agencies say further arrests are imminent as investigations continue.
The killing has triggered widespread outrage among Nigerians at home and abroad, with renewed calls for better safety policies for e-hailing drivers and stronger protection for foreign nationals in South Africa.
Satlet, who was described by family and friends as hardworking, disciplined, and ambitious, was a final-year student scheduled to graduate next month. He reportedly had plans to further his education in Canada before his life was cut short.
