The family of a 22-year-old e-hailing driver who was killed in an alleged robbery last week is appealing for assistance to repatriate his remains to Nigeria.
Isaac Satlat was strangled to death last Wednesday after responding to a ride request. His body and the vehicle he had been driving were later discovered in Atteridgeville.
Authorities subsequently arrested three suspects, a woman and two men, who appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Monday. The trio abandoned their bail application and now face charges of premeditated murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Legal representatives from Nwobi Attorneys, acting on behalf of the Nigerian community, are assisting the family in efforts to raise funds to return Satlat’s body to his home country.
He was a student completing his internship at the time of his death and had reportedly borrowed a colleague’s vehicle to operate as an e-hailing driver to supplement his income.
Leaders within the Nigerian community have stressed that the targeting of e-hailing drivers is not an issue of nationality but rather a reflection of broader criminal activity affecting the sector.
They confirmed that discussions have been held with diplomatic representatives, including Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa, to coordinate support for the grieving family.
Satlat is survived by his mother and two younger siblings in Nigeria. Fundraising efforts are underway to assist with the costs of repatriation.
Meanwhile, police are searching for a fourth suspect believed to be linked to the crime.
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