Feb 21 • 00:26 UTC 🇳🇬 Nigeria Punch

Father of slain Nigerian e-hailing driver hospitalized in South Africa

The father of a Nigerian e-hailing driver murdered in South Africa has been hospitalized due to the trauma of losing his son.

Mr. David Satlat, the father of Isaac, a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver who was murdered in Pretoria, has been hospitalized after experiencing a severe emotional breakdown following the death of his son. The tragic incident occurred on February 11, 2026, when Isaac was attacked and killed by car hijackers shortly after accepting a ride request. The family's grief has been amplified by the sudden and violent nature of Isaac's death, highlighting the dangers faced by gig economy workers in South Africa, particularly those from foreign nations.

Following the murder, South African authorities acted quickly, arresting three suspects linked to the crime—Dikeledi Mphela, Goitsione Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana—who have since been arraigned in court. This response has been met with some level of satisfaction within the Nigerian community, who have called for justice for Isaac, illustrating the intersection of local crime and international implications for expatriates in South Africa. The outrage and demands for accountability reflect broader concerns about violence against Nigerian nationals abroad and the safety of workers in the e-hailing sector.

The uncle of the deceased, Mr. Solomon Ashoms, expressed profound sorrow for his brother-in-law, revealing the emotional toll of the tragedy as well as its physical ramifications—Mr. Satlat's blood pressure soared to alarming levels after he identified Isaac's body. This incident not only underlines the personal anguish faced by the victims' families but also raises questions about the systemic issues surrounding safety, justice, and the well-being of immigrants in a foreign country while they undertake ordinary tasks like providing transportation services.

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