Three South Africans have been charged with the alleged murder of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, in Pretoria West. The suspects — Dikeledi Tears Mphela (24), Goitsione Machidi (25), and McClaren Mushwana (30) — appeared in court on Monday.
According to the South African National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the trio face charges of premeditated murder and robbery. Investigations revealed that on February 11, 2026, the accused allegedly ordered an e-hailing service using a mobile number not registered in their name. When the vehicle arrived, Mphela and an accomplice — still at large — reportedly forced the driver to stop, strangled him, and stole his phone and car. The vehicle was later recovered.
Footage from the car’s dashboard reportedly captured the assault, showing the female passenger attacking Satlat from the front seat while a male accomplice joined in from the back. The victim’s body was found inside the hijacked vehicle.
The court has adjourned the case to February 23 for further investigations. Reports indicate that a fourth suspect handed himself over to authorities on Monday and is expected to face charges on Tuesday.
The Federal Government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), condemned the killing, with Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa demanding justice and urging South African authorities to protect the lives of non-indigenes in the country.
