Three suspects charged in connection with the brutal killing of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in South Africa.
Satlat was reportedly attacked after responding to a ride request in Pretoria West. His hijacked vehicle and his lifeless body were later discovered abandoned in Atteridgeville, police said.
The killing, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, sparked national outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of drivers operating on digital ride-hailing platforms.
The accused — Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi and McClaren Mushwana — abandoned their bail application and opted to remain in custody. They are facing charges of premeditated murder and aggravated robbery.
Magistrates adjourned the case to next week to allow police to conclude further investigations.
Outside the courthouse, e-hailing drivers and civil society supporters staged a peaceful picket, demanding stronger security measures for drivers. Protesters repeatedly chanted, “Justice for Isaac,” as court proceedings commenced.
Confirming ongoing investigations, Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said authorities were still searching for a fourth suspect linked to the crime.
“The police have arrested two more suspects after an e-hailing driver was allegedly killed,” Masondo said. “The two male suspects, aged 30 and 26, will join the third suspect, aged 25, who was already arrested. All suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court facing charges including car hijacking and murder.”
Further details revealed that Satlat had borrowed the vehicle he was driving in a bid to earn extra income. He was also undergoing an automotive mechanical engineering internship in Centurion, which he was expected to complete early next month.
Tragically, Satlat’s birthday was also scheduled for next month.
