A Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has ordered that three people accused of killing a Nigerian student and e-hailing driver be remanded in custody as investigations continue.
The suspects, Dikeledi Mphela (25), Gotseone Machidi (26) and McClaren Mushwana (30), appeared before the court on Monday and were told to remain in detention until February 23, 2026, the National Prosecuting Authority confirmed.
The trio faces charges including murder and carjacking in connection with the death of 22-year-old Nigerian national Isaac Satlat, who was studying mobile engineering and working as an e-hailing driver in Pretoria West when he was allegedly attacked.
According to local reports, he was killed on February 11 after picking up passengers who had booked his ride through a digital platform.
CCTV and dashboard camera footage circulating on social media are reported to show the suspects strangling Satlat during the incident, which sparked outrage in both South Africa and Nigeria.
A fourth suspect has reportedly surrendered to police and is expected to be arraigned separately.
None of the three suspects applied for bail during Monday’s hearing, and prosecutors said the case was adjourned for further investigation. They are currently being held in police custody pending the next court date.
Outside the courthouse, members of e-hailing associations and civil society groups demonstrated, calling for justice for Satlat and greater safety protections for drivers working on digital platforms.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has also commended South African authorities and members of the public for their solidarity, saying it will continue to monitor proceedings to ensure transparency and justice for both Satlat’s family and the wider Nigerian community.
The next hearing is scheduled for February 23, 2026, as police gather additional evidence and prepare the case for further prosecution.
