Tensions escalated over the week after the emergence of reports that a woman and another man allegedly murdered 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, in Pretoria West, South Africa.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for the protection of foreign nationals working in the e-hailing sector of South Africa.
Following the outrage, the South African Police Service (SAPS), on Friday confirmed the arrest of the woman allegedly responsible for the gruesome killing of the Nigerian Driver.
The police revealed that the suspect was apprehended on Friday. Preliminary investigations suggest Isaac Satlat was lured to a location in Pretoria West by two individuals posing as passengers. The hijacked vehicle and the driver’s body were later discovered in the Atteridgeville area, leading to a swift tactical response from local authorities.
According to a South African online publication, IOL, the incident occurred on February 11, 2026, when the victim was allegedly assaulted inside his vehicle after picking up passengers who had requested an e-hailing ride.
Satlat’s body and the stolen car were later recovered in Atteridgeville the same day.
The police said a disturbing video circulating on social media revealed a person being attacked while seated behind the steering wheel of a vehicle.
The authorities cautioned the public against sharing the video.
“The police strongly condemn the circulation of the video that depicts what appears to be a gruesome murder of the victim,” the Gauteng police said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the police confirmed that the arrested female suspect is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on Monday, February 16, 2026, where she will face charges, including hijacking and murder.
Also, a manhunt has been launched for a second suspect believed to have participated in the attack as authorities urged anyone with information that could help in locating the fleeing suspect to contact the nearest police station or CrimeStop.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that this development is an indication of the recurring challenges Nigerians face in South Africa.
There have been several reports about Nigerians being targeted because of their nationality in South Africa.
About a week ago, reports of targeted violence against Nigerians were reechoed after a Nigerian national named Emeka Uzor was shot dead at a petrol station in Randburg, Johannesburg.
Reports suggest the killing occurred during an anti-drug operation involving a private security outfit.
The death of Uzor sparked outrage from the President of the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), Mr Smart Nwobi, who rejected claims that Uzor was a drug dealer and accused those involved in the operation of acting outside the law.
Nwobi also questioned why Uzor was killed instead of being arrested if he was suspected of criminal activity.
Below is reactions curated from social media;
