Three Suspects Charged in Murder of Nigerian Driver

On February 16, 2026, three suspects—Dikeledi Tear, Phela Gositsian Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana—appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court in South Africa, charged with the murder of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hail driver Isaac Satlat. The incident occurred on February 11, 2026, when Satlat was attacked in response to a ride request in Pretoria West.

His vehicle was hijacked, and his body was later discovered abandoned in Atteridgeville. The attack was captured on camera and widely circulated on social media, sparking national outrage.

The suspects abandoned their bail application and chose to remain in custody. They face serious charges, including premeditated murder and aggravated robbery.

Outside the court, fellow e-hail drivers staged a picket to demand government action to strengthen safety measures for drivers operating on digital platforms, chanting for justice for Isaac Satlat. Satlat was reportedly borrowing a vehicle to earn extra money while completing an automotive mechanical engineering internship in Centurion, expected to finish in early March, with his birthday on March 12.