Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
South African authorities have arrested a female suspect and launched a manhunt for a male accomplice following the killing of 22-year-old Nigerian student, Isaac Satlat, in a suspected hijacking incident in Pretoria. Satlat, who was working part-time as an Uber driver, was reportedly attacked while on duty. His vehicle was later recovered, while his body was discovered several kilometres away in Moshongo, Attridgeville, on the outskirts of Pretoria. According to local law enforcement sources, the two suspects — a man and a woman — were captured on the vehicle’s dashboard camera during the incident. Police confirmed that the woman has been taken into custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the male suspect, who remains at large. The tragic killing has sparked renewed concerns within Nigeria’s diaspora community in South Africa over the safety of African migrants engaged in ride-hailing services and other informal sector jobs. It also underscores the persistent challenge of violent crime in parts of South Africa, particularly incidents involving vehicle hijackings. Authorities have not yet released the names of the suspects, pending further investigation. Police spokespersons in Pretoria indicated that the case is being treated as a serious violent crime, with investigators analysing digital and forensic evidence obtained from the recovered vehicle. The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is reportedly engaging with local authorities to ensure that justice is pursued and that the victim’s family receives appropriate consular support. South Africa has grappled with high rates of carjacking and violent crime in recent years, a trend widely reported by outlets including BBC News, Reuters, and Al Jazeera in their coverage of crime and migrant-related tensions in the country. Analysts note that ride-hailing drivers are often particularly vulnerable due to the nature of their work, which involves transporting unknown passengers. Community leaders have called for swift justice and improved safety measures for foreign nationals and gig-economy workers operating in high-risk areas. Civil society groups are also urging stronger collaboration between African governments to protect citizens living and working across the continent.As investigations continue, police have appealed to members of the public with any information about the fleeing suspect to come forward. The killing of Isaac Satlat adds to a series of violent incidents affecting African migrants in South Africa, reinforcing the urgent need for strengthened security frameworks and coordinated diplomatic engagement to safeguard lives across borders. Sources: BBC News; Reuters; Al Jazeera
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