Three South Africans have been formally charged with the murder of Isaac Satlat, a Nigerian e-hailing driver whose death shocked social media after dashcam footage of the attack circulated widely.
The suspects Dikeledi Mphela (24), Goitsione Machidi (25), and McClaren Mushwana (30) appeared briefly in court in Pretoria on Monday, withdrawing their bail applications. Authorities confirmed that a fourth suspect has voluntarily surrendered and is expected to be arraigned in court today.
Satlat, 22, a Nigerian national living in South Africa, was attacked while working as a driver for Bolt.
Prosecutors said the suspects requested a ride last Wednesday using a phone number not linked to any of them. Two of the accused reportedly entered Satlat’s vehicle while the others followed in another car.
Authorities allege the group forced Satlat to stop, strangled him, and stole his phone and vehicle, which has since been recovered.
Dashcam footage shows a violent struggle, with one passenger appearing to choke the driver until he became unresponsive.
The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, confirmed that the suspects are also facing robbery charges.
The killing has reignited debates about the safety of e-hailing drivers in South Africa, where attacks on ride-hailing operators have surged amid rising crime.
The E-hailing Partners Council condemned the incident and called on platforms to strengthen passenger verification and safety protocols.
Protests erupted outside the Pretoria courthouse on Monday, with drivers and political groups demanding urgent government action. A driver told Newzroom Afrika that a special task force should be created to protect e-hailing operators and compensate families of slain drivers.
The victim’s family revealed that Satlat’s father has suffered severe health consequences since the killing. The case has been adjourned until next Monday for further proceedings.
