The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has ordered the remand of three suspects over the killing of a Nigerian student and e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat.
Local broadcaster eNCA reported that the suspects — Dikeledi Mphela, 25; Gotseone Machidi, 26; and McClaren Mushwana, 30 — appeared before the court on Monday. The court directed that they remain in custody pending further investigation. Their next appearance is scheduled for February 23. They are facing charges of murder and carjacking.
Satlat, aged 22, studied mobile engineering. Reports indicate that he was killed on February 11 after responding to a ride request. Dashboard camera footage shared on social media allegedly captured the moment the passengers strangled him.
According to eNCA, Mphela turned herself in to the police on Friday. Security operatives later arrested Machidi and Mushwana during the weekend. The three suspects declined to submit bail applications.
Authorities also confirmed that a fourth suspect surrendered to police in Atteridgeville on Monday. The individual is expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on charges of murder and carjacking.
Outside the court premises, protesters drawn from e-hailing groups and civil society organisations gathered to demand justice for the deceased. Demonstrators described Satlat as a peaceful and valued member of the community.
Reacting to the case, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission praised South Africans who showed support during the court proceedings. The commission added that it was monitoring the matter closely to ensure fairness and justice for the victim’s family and Nigerians living in the country.
“Solidarity shown by South Africans outside the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today, as suspects Dikeledi Mphela, Goitsione Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana were arraigned for the brutal murder of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat, is commendable,” the statement read. “NIDCOM continues to monitor developments as we ask for transparent proceedings and stand with the family and Nigerian community.”
