Dabiri-Erewa condemns killing of Nigerian driver in South Africa
Female suspect arrested in Pretoria hijacking; NIDCOM calls for justice and stronger protections
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned the killing of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver in Pretoria, South Africa, and called for the arrest and prosecution of all those involved.
In a statement issued Sunday in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa described the killing of Isaac Satlet as disturbing and urged South African authorities to ensure justice is served.
She said the increasing rate of criminality and killings involving Nigerians in South Africa was worrisome and required serious attention.
“Nigeria and South Africa have come a long way as African brothers,” she said, questioning why crimes were being committed against fellow Africans.
Dabiri-Erewa called on South African authorities to protect the lives and property of non-indigenes and to strengthen measures aimed at preventing similar incidents.
She also reiterated the need to enhance rapid response protocols and institutionalized escalation mechanisms for diaspora-related cases, adding that the commission would intensify risk mapping and structured engagement with host authorities.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on Feb. 11 in Pretoria West after Satlet picked up passengers through an e-hailing platform. Authorities said he was attacked by a male and female pair who allegedly hijacked his vehicle.
His body and the stolen vehicle were later found in Atteridgeville.
A female suspect has been arrested and is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Feb. 16 on charges of car hijacking and murder. Police said dashcam footage capturing part of the incident aided in her arrest. Authorities are continuing the search for a male suspect, with additional arrests expected.
The killing has sparked outrage within Nigerian and diaspora communities, with renewed calls for improved safety measures for e-hailing drivers operating in South Africa.
Satlet, who was scheduled to graduate next month, was described by associates as hardworking and ambitious, with plans to pursue further studies in Canada.
The statement was signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NIDCOM.
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