Three suspects have been remanded in custody by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in connection with the murder of Nigerian student and e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat.
Local media outlet eNCA identified the suspects as Dikeledi Mphela (25), Gotseone Machidi (26), and McClaren Mushwana (30). The trio appeared in court on Monday and will remain behind bars until February 23 while investigations continue. They face charges of murder and carjacking.
Satlat, a 22-year-old mobile engineering student, was reportedly killed on February 11 after picking up passengers through his e-hailing service. Circulating dashboard camera footage allegedly shows the suspects strangling him.
eNCA reported that Mphela turned herself in to the police on Friday, while Machidi and Mushwana were arrested over the weekend. None of the suspects applied for bail.
A fourth individual reportedly surrendered to police in Atteridgeville on Monday. This suspect is expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, facing similar charges.
Outside the courthouse, members of e-hailing associations and civil society organizations held a protest, demanding justice for Satlat. Protesters described him as a kind and respected member of the community.
In response to the incident, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) praised the South African public for their show of solidarity and stated that it is closely monitoring the case to ensure a transparent process and justice for Satlat’s family and the Nigerian community.
NIDCOM continues to monitor developments as we ask for transparent proceedings and stand with the family and Nigerian community, the commission said in a statement.
