Three suspects accused of killing a Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, have appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in South Africa.The suspects—Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana—were arraigned on Monday, February 16, in connection with the murder of the 22-year-old driver.

Satlat was attacked on Wednesday, February 11, after responding to a ride request in Pretoria West. His vehicle was hijacked, and his body was later discovered abandoned in Atteridgeville.
The killing, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, triggered widespread public outrage. In court, the accused abandoned their bail application and chose to remain in custody. They are facing charges of premeditated murder and aggravated robbery.

Outside the courthouse, e-hailing drivers and supporters staged a peaceful protest, urging authorities to strengthen safety measures for drivers operating on digital ride-hailing platforms. Protesters repeatedly chanted “Justice for Isaac” as proceedings began.

Satlat had reportedly borrowed the vehicle to earn extra income while completing an automotive mechanical engineering internship in Centurion, which he was expected to finish in early March. He would have turned a year older on March 12.