In a somber moment at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court in South Africa, three individuals stood before a judge on February 16, accused in the devastating murder of 22-year-old Isaac Satlat, a Nigerian e-hailing driver trying to make ends meet.
Isaac had been responding to what seemed like a routine ride request in Pretoria West on February 11 when he was brutally attacked. Later, his stolen car and his lifeless body were discovered abandoned in Atteridgeville, leaving his family and community in shock.
The horrific incident was caught on video and quickly spread across social media, igniting widespread anger and calls for justice. The accused—Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana—chose not to seek bail and will stay in custody as the case unfolds.
They’re facing serious charges of premeditated murder and aggravated robbery tied to this senseless attack.
Outside the courthouse, fellow e-hailing drivers and supporters gathered in a peaceful protest, urging authorities to do more to protect those working on ride-sharing apps. Chants of “Justice for Isaac” echoed through the air as the hearing began.
Isaac had borrowed the car to earn some extra cash while completing his internship in automotive mechanical engineering in Centurion, which was set to wrap up soon. Tragically, he would have celebrated his birthday on March 12.