Nigerian Student Murdered in South Africa: Family Seeks Funds for Repatriation
The family of 22-year-old Nigerian student Isaac David Satlat is urgently appealing for financial support to repatriate his body to Nigeria after he was brutally murdered in Pretoria, South Africa. Satlat, who was studying mobile engineering and working as an e-hailing driver to support his education, had been preparing for his graduation next month before the tragic incident occurred.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to reports, Satlat was strangled after picking up two passengers in the Pretoria West area. His hijacked vehicle and his body were discovered the same day in Atteridgeville, a suburb of Pretoria. The young student's untimely death has left his family and community in profound shock and grief.
Speaking on behalf of the devastated family, his uncle, Otila Onoja, described the incident as utterly heartbreaking. "We need funds to take him back home so that he can be laid to rest in his hometown," Onoja stated, emphasizing the family's desperate need for assistance to cover the costs of repatriation and burial.
Calls for Improved Safety Measures
In addition to seeking financial help, Onoja highlighted the urgent need for enhanced safety measures for gig workers, particularly those in high-risk occupations like e-hailing driving. "This is very heartbreaking for us, and we need more safety for other people who are working in this job, like Isaac," he added, pointing out the inherent dangers faced by individuals in such roles.
The incident has sparked significant concern within the Nigerian community in South Africa, raising alarms about the safety of foreign nationals employed in precarious jobs. Many are calling for greater protection and support for workers in the gig economy, who often operate without adequate security protocols.
Police Investigation and Arrests
South African police have confirmed that a woman has been arrested in connection with the murder and hijacking of Isaac David Satlat. Authorities have indicated that further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses. The case underscores the ongoing challenges of crime and violence in certain areas of South Africa, which continue to impact both local residents and foreign nationals.
The tragic loss of Satlat, a promising student on the verge of graduation, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by many young Nigerians pursuing opportunities abroad. His family's plea for support resonates with broader issues of safety, community solidarity, and the need for systemic changes to protect workers in high-risk industries.
