Isaac David Satlat was a 22-year-old Nigerian student and part-time Bolt e-hailing driver based in Pretoria, South Africa.
The deceased was completing an automotive mechanical engineering internship and was expected to graduate in March 2026, before he was brutally murdered on 11 February 2026 in Pretoria West.
According to his family members, he drove part-time to support himself while studying, to fund his plans to relocate to Canada for further studies. 
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How Isaac Satlat was killed
Isaac was murdered after accepting what appeared to be a routine ride request. Investigators have confirmed that Isaac responded to a ride request from passengers who had booked his e-hailing service.
Dashcam footage showed the suspects assaulting him inside the car while he was driving. A man seated in the back grabbed him and strangled him while another accomplice assisted.
Authorities confirmed Isaac was strangled to death and robbed of valuables including his phone.
His hijacked car and body were later found abandoned in Atteridgeville, several kilometres from where he was attacked.
The killing sparked outrage across South Africa and Nigeria, especially after dashcam footage of the attack circulated online.
The Suspects
South African police arrested three suspects connected to Isaac’s murder:
- Dikeledi Tears Phela
- Gositsiane Machidi
- McClaren Mushwana
They face charges, including:
- Premeditated murder
- Car hijacking
- Aggravated robbery
The female suspect initially handed herself over to police before the two additional male suspects, aged 30 and 26, were later arrested.
All three appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 16 February 2026.
The suspects chose to abandon their bail applications and remain in custody as investigations continue. Police confirmed that another suspect linked to the crime remains at large.
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How many Nigerians have been killed in South Africa?
The figures of how many Nigerians have been killed in South Africa are fragmented and there is an absence of a central reporting source.
Due to the 2019 xenophobic riots in South Africa, Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) reported that more than 125 Nigerians lost their lives between 2016 and 2019. Despite COVID-19 lockdowns, violence persisted in 2020–2022, NiDCOM estimated a toll of over 150 by late 2021.This violence was ascribed to extrajudicial killings and business-related conflicts.
Attacks in 2023–2025 turned their attention to Nigerian businesspeople increasing the number of unofficial reports to more than 200.
Causes of Nigerian deaths in South Africa
Available data shows Nigerians are killed due to multiple causes, including:
1. Robbery and violent crime
Isaac Satlat’s killing falls into this category. Many Nigerian victims are targeted during robberies, hijackings, or organised crime.
2. Drug-related disputes
South African authorities said 39 Nigerians between 2017 and 2019 died in drug-related conflicts involving other Nigerians.
3. Police violence and shootings
Some Nigerians have died during police operations or shootings.
4. Xenophobic attacks
Some Nigerians have also been victims of anti-foreigner mob violence, especially during xenophobic riots.
Isaac’s death has brought attention again to the violence against Nigerians living in South Africa. While authorities have moved quickly to arrest the suspects in his case, this pattern of violent crime has claimed the lives of many Nigerians over the years.
For many in the Nigerian community, justice for Isaac is not only about punishing those responsible but also about preventing the next tragedy.
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