Pretoria Magistrates’ Court Remands Six Over Killing of Nigerian Ride-Hailing Driver
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The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court has ordered the continued detention of six suspects accused of murdering a 22-year-old Nigerian ride-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, during an alleged robbery in Pretoria West.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, the accused, who face charges including murder and robbery, withdrew their bail applications and chose to remain in custody while prosecutors complete their preliminary investigations. The matter was adjourned to June 23, 2026, for further legal processes.
Satlat, an automotive engineering student who had lived in South Africa for about a decade, was reportedly attacked in February during a trip. A dashcam recording said to have captured his final moments later circulated online, drawing widespread outrage.
Representatives of the Nigerian community attended the hearing to monitor developments. Attorney Nwobi Smart, president of the Nigeria Union in South Africa, described the postponement as a routine legal step, noting that all six defendants were present in court after one had previously failed to appear.
Family spokesperson Izang Ashoms confirmed that arrangements to return Satlat’s remains to Nigeria are underway. According to him, international clearance has been secured, while preparations continue at home for burial rites. He added that the victim’s mother remains in deep mourning.
The killing has triggered renewed calls from ride-hailing drivers across South Africa for tighter security protocols and improved passenger verification, amid concerns over increasing attacks linked to fare disputes.
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