Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly condemned the brutal murder of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver Isaac Satlet in Pretoria, South Africa, urging authorities to arrest, prosecute the killers, and protect non-indigenes.
In a statement issue by NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described the rising criminality and killings of Nigerians in South Africa as “worrisome,” calling for urgent action.
“Nigeria and South Africa have come a long way as African brothers,” she said, questioning why “evil-minded people” target fellow Africans with heinous crimes.
She pressed South African authorities to deliver justice for Satlet and safeguard lives and property, while reiterating NIDCOM’s push for stronger rapid response protocols, risk mapping, and engagement with host governments.
The incident unfolded on February 11 when Satlet, a student nearing graduation with dreams of studying in Canada, picked up passengers via an e-hailing app in Pretoria West. Police say a male-female duo hijacked his car, leading to his death. His body and stolen vehicle were later found in Atteridgeville, with dashcam footage enabling the quick arrest of the female suspect.
She is due in Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on February 16 facing car hijacking and murder charges, as police hunt the male accomplice and anticipate more arrests.
The killing has ignited outrage, with demands for better safety for e-hailing drivers. Friends remember Satlet as hardworking and ambitious.