Outrage in South Africa: Lady Accuses Media of Silence After Killing of Nigerian Driver, Alleges Bias and Xenophobia [VIDEO]

A South African woman has publicly criticised the country’s media landscape over what she described as a lack of coverage following the killing of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat.

Satlat, a student who was reportedly studying mobile engineering while working as a ride-hailing driver to support himself, lost his life after picking up two men and a woman as passengers. Authorities say the incident occurred weeks ago, just as he was preparing for his graduation the following month.

According to reports circulating online, footage from the vehicle’s dashboard camera captured the moments leading up to the attack, which has since sparked outrage among members of the public, particularly on social media.

In a video that has now gone viral, the South African woman accused sections of the media in South Africa of being selective in their reporting. She argued that crimes involving foreign nationals especially Nigerians often receive widespread attention, but cases where Nigerians are victims do not generate the same level of coverage.

She claimed that if the situation had been reversed, with a South African as the victim, the story would have dominated headlines and online discussions. Her remarks also touched on broader concerns about xenophobia and the treatment of African migrants living and working in the country.

The incident has reignited conversations about the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa, as well as the responsibilities of the media in reporting crimes without bias. Many online commentators have called for a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased, while others emphasised the need to avoid inflaming tensions between citizens of Nigeria and their host communities.

Observers say the tragedy highlights the risks faced by young migrants pursuing education and employment opportunities abroad, and has renewed calls for stronger protections for ride-hailing drivers and other gig-economy workers across the region.

Watch the video she shared below…