Justice for Isaac: Three Remanded as More Suspects Emerge in Brutal E-Hailing Murder

PRETORIA – The brutal killing of 22-year-old Nigerian student and e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, reached a critical turning point on Monday as three suspects appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. The trio, identified as Dikeledi Tears Mphela (24), Goitsione Machidi (25), and McClaren Mushwana (30), face charges of premeditated murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

​During the brief proceedings, the accused opted to abandon their bail applications, choosing to remain in custody as the investigation continues. The court has postponed the matter to February 23, 2026.

​A Night of Horror Caught on Camera

​Satlat, a Plateau State native and an engineering intern in Centurion, was attacked on the night of Wednesday, February 11. Authorities revealed that the suspects allegedly used a mobile phone not registered in their names to request a ride in Pretoria West.

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​The assault, which was captured in chilling detail by a dashcam and subsequently leaked on social media, showed Satlat being strangled from behind. His body and the hijacked vehicle—which he had borrowed from a colleague to earn extra income—were later discovered abandoned in Atteridgeville.

​Developments and a Fourth Suspect

​While three suspects were remanded on Monday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that a fourth suspect handed himself over to authorities late Monday afternoon. He is expected to make his first court appearance today, Tuesday, facing charges of kidnapping and murder.

​The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, confirmed that while Mphela and an accomplice allegedly carried out the physical attack inside the car, the other accused followed in a separate vehicle to facilitate the crime.

​A Family in Mourning

​The tragedy has left the Satlat family devastated. Isaac’s father was reportedly hospitalized due to dangerously high blood pressure after identifying his son’s body. Outside the courtroom, members of the Nigerian Council and e-hailing driver associations held a picket, chanting “Justice for Isaac” and demanding safer working conditions for digital platform workers.

​Nwobi Smart, leader of the Nigerian Council, emphasized that the family and the council are now focused on raising funds to repatriate Isaac’s remains to Nigeria.

​”This is not a matter of nationality; it is a matter of rampant crime that has claimed a promising young life,” Smart stated.

​Isaac Satlat was just weeks away from completing his automotive mechanical engineering internship and would have celebrated his 23rd birthday on March 12.