- Nigerian e-hailing driver killed in Pretoria, South Africa
- NiDCOM demands prosecution of those responsible
- Three suspects arrested and charged with murder
- Protest erupts as drivers demand justice and protection
The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned the killing of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, in Pretoria, South Africa, calling for justice and improved protection for Nigerians living abroad.
Satlat, who hailed from Plateau State, was reportedly attacked on February 11, 2026, after picking up passengers through a ride-hailing platform. He was a student in South Africa and was expected to graduate next month before his life was cut short.
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According to police reports, two men and a woman allegedly hijacked his vehicle and assaulted him. His body and car were later found in Atteridgeville.
Speaking through NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described the incident as deeply disturbing and urged South African authorities to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted.
“This is a tragic and painful loss. Justice must be served, and Nigerians living in South Africa deserve better protection,” she said.
She noted that Nigeria and South Africa share longstanding diplomatic and people-to-people ties, but expressed concern over recurring violent attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals in the country.
Meanwhile, South African authorities have arrested three suspects: Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana, in connection with the killing.
The suspects appeared before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on charges of premeditated murder and aggravated robbery. They were remanded in custody after withdrawing their bail application, and the case was adjourned for further investigation.
South African media reports said e-hailing drivers and their supporters staged a protest outside the courthouse, chanting “Justice for Isaac” and calling for stronger safety measures for drivers operating on digital ride-hailing platforms.
Part of the attack was reportedly captured on the vehicle’s dashcam and later circulated on social media, sparking widespread outrage.
Satlat was remembered by friends and colleagues as hardworking and ambitious, with plans to further his education in Canada before his untimely death.