Three suspects charged in the m¥rder of 22-year-old Bolt driver Isaac Satlat have abandoned their bail application and elected to remain behind bars after appearing before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The accused Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi and McClaren Mushwana face charges of premeditated m¥rder and aggravated ro+bery in connection with the fatal att@ck in Pretoria West on February 11.
The court appearance was brief, with the matter postponed to February 23 to allow for further investigations.
According to police, Satlat was allegedly att@cked after responding to a ride request. His hijacked vehicle and body were later discovered in Atteridgeville the same day. Footage of the incident circulated widely on social media, sparking outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of e-hailing drivers.
Outside court, fellow drivers and supporters gathered in protest, chanting “Justice for Isaac” and urging authorities to implement stronger safety measures for drivers operating on platforms such as Bolt.
The South African Police Service confirmed that two additional male suspects, aged 30 and 26, were recently arrested and are expected to join the matter. Investigations are ongoing, and a fourth suspect is still being sought.
Satlat’s family has described the k+lling as an act of cr+minality, dismissing suggestions that the att@ck was xen+phobic in nature.
The case continues as police intensify efforts to conclude investigations.
More Stories
US freezes assets of eight Nigerians over links with Boko Haram, cybercrime (Full list)
Suspected IED Explosion Rocks Bayelsa Secretariat, Police Arrest One
Nigerian Man Sh@t D+ad during a Dr¥g raid in South Africa