Nigerian Driver Killed in South Africa: NiDCOM Demands Justice

Pretoria, South Africa – Authorities in South Africa have remanded three suspects in custody following the murder of Isaac Satlet, a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver and mobile engineering student. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls for improved safety measures for Nigerians living and working in the country, prompting a strong response from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on February 17, 2026, remanded Dikeledi Mphela (25), Gotseone Machidi (26) and McClaren Mushwana (30) until February 23 as investigations continue, according to local media reports. The trio faces charges of murder and carjacking. A fourth suspect reportedly surrendered to police in Atteridgeville on Monday and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.

Satlet was reportedly killed on February 11 after picking up passengers who had requested his e-hailing service. Disturbing dashcam footage, circulating on social media, allegedly shows the passengers strangling him to death. Mphela voluntarily handed herself over to police on Friday, while Machidi and Mushwana were arrested over the weekend.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, condemned the killing, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those responsible. In a statement issued through the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described the recurring attacks and killings of Nigerians in South Africa as “disturbing and unacceptable.”

“The trend requires urgent intervention by relevant authorities,” Dabiri-Erewa stated. She further lamented that such acts of violence contradict the longstanding diplomatic and fraternal ties between Nigeria and South Africa, adding that assaults on fellow Africans undermine the spirit of continental unity and cooperation.

NiDCOM has urged South African authorities to ensure justice for Satlet and to strengthen security measures to protect foreign nationals and non-indigenes residing in the country. The Commission also called for improved rapid-response systems and institutionalised escalation channels for handling diaspora-related emergencies, stating it would intensify risk-mapping and structured engagement with host governments.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage among Nigerians both at home and abroad. Protesters, including members of e-hailing associations and civil society organisations, gathered outside the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, demanding justice for Satlet. Demonstrators described him as a kind and respected member of the community.

Satlet, a mobile engineering student, was reportedly preparing for graduation next month and had plans to continue his education in Canada, according to relatives who described him as diligent and ambitious. The loss of such a promising young life has amplified calls for greater protection for e-hailing drivers, who are increasingly vulnerable to violent crime.

The relationship between Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s largest economies, has been periodically strained by incidents of xenophobia and attacks on Nigerian citizens. While diplomatic efforts have sought to address these issues, the latest incident underscores the persistent challenges in ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians living in South Africa.

NiDCOM has commended the South African public for their solidarity in the wake of Satlet’s death, and stated it is closely monitoring proceedings to ensure transparency and justice for Satlet’s family and the Nigerian community. The Commission’s involvement highlights the growing role of diaspora commissions in advocating for the rights and protection of their citizens abroad.

The case is likely to further fuel debate about the safety of foreign nationals working in the gig economy in South Africa, and the need for greater regulation and oversight of e-hailing services to protect drivers from violence and exploitation. The outcome of the trial will be closely watched by both the Nigerian government and the diaspora community, as a test of South Africa’s commitment to justice and the protection of foreign nationals.