Three suspects appear in South African court over murder of Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat

Three accused in the m8rder of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in South Africa on Monday. 

Satlat was attacked after responding to a ride request in Pretoria West on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. His hijacked vehicle and his body were later found abandoned in Atteridgeville. 

The k!lling, which was captured on camera and widely circulated on social media, sparked national outrage.

The suspects, Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi and McClaren Mushwana, abandoned their bail application and elected to remain behind bars. 

The suspects are facing charges of premeditated m8rder and aggravated robbery in connection with the fatal attack on Satlat. 

The matter was postponed for further investigation

Outside court, e-hailing drivers and supporters staged a picket, calling on government to strengthen safety measures for drivers operating on digital platforms.

Protesters repeatedly chanted “Justice for Isaac” as proceedings got under way.

Police have previously confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that a fourth suspect is still being sought in connection with the crime. 

The matter was postponed to February 23 to allow for further police investigations.

Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said investigations were ongoing and that officers were still searching for another suspect.

“The police have arrested two more suspects after an e-hailing driver was allegedly k1lled on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. The two male suspects, who are aged 30 and 26, will join the third suspect, aged 25, who was arrested on Friday, 13 February 2026,” Masondo said.

“All suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 16 February 2026, facing charges that include car hijacking and m8rder. 

Satlat had borrowed the vehicle to make extra money. 

He had been doing an automotive mechanical engineering internship in Centurion and was expected to finish early in March. 

His birthday would have been on March 12.