February 15, 2026 | News
The family of a Nigerian e-hailing driver tragically murdered in Pretoria West, South Africa, is appealing for urgent financial support to repatriate his remains to Nigeria for burial.
Twenty-two-year-old Isaac David Satlat was allegedly strangled to death by two passengers who had booked his e-hailing service last Thursday. His vehicle and body were later discovered abandoned in Atteridgeville.
Speaking to eNCA, Satlat’s uncle and family spokesperson, Otila Onoja, described the family’s heartbreak and the financial burden of transporting his body home.
“We need funds to bring him back home so he can be laid to rest in his hometown. This is very heartbreaking for us, and we also want to ensure more safety for others working in this job like Isaac,” Onoja said.
Satlat, who had traveled to South Africa seeking better opportunities, was studying mobile engineering and was due to graduate next month—a milestone his family had been eagerly anticipating.
“Isaac was peaceful, respectful, and hardworking. He loved cars and dreamed of building a career in motor engineering. People loved him everywhere he went,” Onoja added.
Beyond the emotional loss, the family faces the immediate challenge of raising funds for repatriation, funeral arrangements, and related expenses. They are appealing to well-wishers, the Nigerian community in South Africa, and the public to assist in giving Satlat a dignified burial in his homeland.
The murder has reignited concerns about the safety of e-hailing drivers in South Africa. Eugene Ngoetjana of the Meter Taxi and E-hailing Association warned that drivers are increasingly targeted due to the nature of their work.
“This was pure criminality and opportunism. Drivers are highly vulnerable because anyone can easily book a ride. It’s the easiest form of crime we see today,” he said.
South African authorities are investigating the incident. Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that two suspects, a man and a woman, have been arrested in connection with the murder, while a third suspect remains at large. The arrested female faces charges of carjacking and murder and will appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court, with the second suspect also expected to be arraigned on Monday.
Ride-hailing company Bolt also condemned the killing, expressing condolences to Satlat’s family and pledging full cooperation with law enforcement.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” Bolt said in a statement.
