Three suspects in the murder of 22-year-old Bolt driver Isaac Satlat have abandoned their bail applications and chosen to remain behind bars, following a brief appearance at Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 16 February 2026.
Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana face charges of premeditated murder and aggravated robbery over the fatal attack on Satlat in Pretoria West on 11 February 2026. The matter was adjourned to 23 February for further investigations.
Satlat, a Nigerian national working as an e-hailing driver for Bolt in South Africa, was allegedly attacked after accepting a ride request.
He was hijacked and strangled inside his vehicle. Both his car and body were later discovered abandoned in Atteridgeville.
Disturbing dashcam footage of the attack circulated widely on social media, sparking national outrage in both South Africa and Nigeria. Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and a fourth suspect remains at large.
Outside the court, e-hailing drivers and supporters staged a picket, urging the government to implement stronger safety measures for drivers operating on digital platforms.
Satlat’s family described him as a peaceful and honest young man with a love for cars, who was studying mobile engineering and was due to graduate in March 2026. They are now working to repatriate his body to Nigeria.
South African police have also warned the public against sharing the graphic video of the killing.
More: IOL
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