Three Held Over Killing of Nigerian Ride-Hailing Driver in South Africa, Case Adjourned to Feb 23
- 9 hours ago
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A court in Pretoria has postponed proceedings in the murder case of a 22-year-old Nigerian ride-hailing driver, with three accused persons ordered to remain behind bars pending further investigations.
The suspects, Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi and McClaren Mushwana, appeared briefly before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Prosecutors requested additional time to conclude outstanding investigative steps, and the matter was adjourned to February 23, 2026.
All three defendants are facing charges of premeditated murder and carjacking linked to the death of Isaac David Satlat, a Nigerian national who was working as a Bolt driver at the time of the incident. The accused abandoned their bail application during the court session.
Authorities confirmed that the two male suspects are being held at the SAPS Pretoria North Police Station, while Phela is detained at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre.
According to prosecutors, the brief court appearance focused primarily on procedural matters as investigators continue to gather evidence. Law enforcement officials are also pursuing at least one additional suspect believed to be connected to the crime.
Satlat was reportedly attacked after accepting a ride request in Pretoria West. His body and vehicle were later discovered in Atteridgeville, sparking outrage among migrant communities and fellow ride-hailing drivers.
The case has reignited concerns about the safety of e-hailing operators in South Africa, with industry stakeholders warning that criminals increasingly exploit ride-booking platforms to target drivers.
Meanwhile, the victim’s family has appealed for financial support to repatriate his remains to Nigeria for burial, describing him as a hardworking young man who had travelled abroad in search of better prospects and was close to completing his studies before his death.
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