Authorities say additional arrests expected as investigation into Nigerian student’s killing progresses
Investigators have made a significant breakthrough in the murder of Isaac Satlat, a 22-year-old Nigerian student and e-hailing driver killed in Pretoria West earlier this week.
Police confirmed Friday that a female suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the Wednesday, February 11 slaying. Officials indicated that further arrests are expected as the investigation advances.
According to preliminary reports, Satlat was attacked by two passengers—a man and woman—who had booked his services through an e-hailing platform in Pretoria West. The assault allegedly occurred while the victim remained inside his vehicle.
Later that day, authorities recovered both Satlat’s hijacked car and his body in Atteridgeville, located west of Pretoria. The grim discovery triggered an outcry across social media platforms and intensified concerns about driver safety in the e-hailing industry.
While police have not disclosed complete details about the suspect’s apprehension, they acknowledged that dashcam footage—believed to have recorded portions of the incident—helped accelerate the investigation. Law enforcement has urged the public to avoid circulating unconfirmed information and instead submit credible tips directly to investigators.
The detained suspect is scheduled to appear Monday, February 16, at the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court, where she faces charges of car hijacking and murder.
Police confirmed they are actively searching for the male suspect allegedly involved in the attack, stating that “more arrests are imminent.”
The case has garnered attention both within South Africa and internationally. Satlat, who was scheduled to graduate next month and had aspirations to continue his education in Canada, was remembered by loved ones as ambitious and hardworking.
Community representatives and advocacy organizations have applauded the arrest while stressing the importance of allowing the judicial process to proceed. They have also renewed calls for enhanced security protocols to protect e-hailing drivers, many of whom work independently and face unpredictable dangers.
As the case moves through the courts, attention now turns to the pursuit of justice. For Satlat’s family, the arrest represents progress—though it cannot restore the promising young life cut tragically short.
