Protesters Storm South African Court, Demand Justice As Suspects Appear Over Murder Of Nigerian E-Hailing Driver

Some protesters convened outside the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, calling for justice as three suspects connected to the murder of Nigerian national and Bolt driver Isaac David Satlat appeared before the court.

The protesters are demanding swift justice for the 22-year-old e-hailing driver, calling on authorities to ensure that those responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The suspects accused of murdering Nigerian national and Bolt driver Isaac Satlat were arraigned at Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.

The suspects, Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi and McClaren Mushwana, made a brief appearance before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning, where prosecutors confirmed that the matter had been adjourned to February 23, 2026.

The accused persons will remain in custody pending the next hearing.

Authorities disclosed that the two male suspects are being detained at the SAPS Pretoria North Police Station, while the female suspect, Phela, is being held at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre.

The trio is facing charges of murder and carjacking in connection with the fatal attack on 22-year-old Satlat, whose killing has sparked outrage among migrant communities and fellow e-hailing operators across South Africa.

In a video shared by MDN and viewed by SaharaReporters, members of the Nigerian community, e-hailing industry stakeholders, and concerned residents gathered outside the court, holding placards demanding accountability and improved protection for drivers, while standing in solidarity with the grieving family.

Satlat, 22, was strangled to death last Thursday by two passengers who had requested his e-hailing service. His hijacked vehicle and body were later discovered the same day in Atteridgeville.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian diaspora in South Africa and the broader e-hailing community, reigniting concerns over the safety of drivers who respond to rides from strangers.

As court proceedings commenced, Satlat’s relatives continued to grapple with the emotional trauma of his violent death and the urgent financial challenge of repatriating his remains to Nigeria for burial.

It had previously been reported that the family appealed for financial assistance to bring Satlat home. His uncle and family spokesperson, Otila Onoja, described both the family’s grief and the burden of raising funds needed for his repatriation.