Three South Africans in court over brutal murder of Nigerian Bolt driver in Pretoria
Three South Africans have been arraigned before a magistrates’ court in Pretoria over the alleged killing of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat.
The suspects — Dikeledi Tears Mphela (24), Goitsione Machidi (25), and McClaren Mushwana (30) — appeared at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Monday to face charges of premeditated murder and robbery.
In a statement, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the accused abandoned their bail application. The matter has been adjourned to February 23 to allow for further investigations.
Lumka Mahanjana, regional spokesperson for the NPA in Gauteng, disclosed that the suspects allegedly ordered the e-hailing service on February 11, 2026, using a mobile phone number not registered in their names.
According to the prosecution, when the vehicle arrived, Mphela and an accomplice — who remains at large — entered the car, while the other two accused followed in a separate vehicle.
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The NPA alleged that Mphela and her accomplice forced the victim to stop, strangled him, and dispossessed him of his cellphone and vehicle. The car was later recovered.
Authorities said the crime was captured by a dashboard camera installed in the vehicle, and the footage subsequently circulated on social media.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested Mphela on February 13, while the other two suspects were apprehended on February 15. Reports indicate that a fourth suspect later turned himself in to police and is expected to be formally charged.
Investigators revealed that the victim was allegedly attacked inside the vehicle, strangled from behind, and his body moved to the back seat before the suspects drove off. Police later discovered the hijacked car with Satlat’s body inside.
The NPA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure those responsible for violent crimes are brought to justice.
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Nigeria Condemns Killing
The Federal Government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), condemned the killing and called for swift justice.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the incident as disturbing and demanded the arrest and prosecution of all those involved.
She expressed concern over what she described as a rising pattern of criminal attacks against Nigerians in South Africa, stressing that both countries share longstanding ties as African partners.
Dabiri-Erewa urged South African authorities to ensure justice for the slain driver and guarantee the safety of Nigerians and other foreign nationals residing in the country.
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