Three South Africans have been charged with murder in connection with the killing of a Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, after dashcam footage of the incident circulated widely on social media and triggered public outrage.
The suspects, Dikeledi Mphela (24), Goitsione Machidi (25) and McClaren Mushwana (30), made a brief court appearance in Pretoria on Monday, where they withdrew their applications for bail.
Police later confirmed that a fourth suspect has voluntarily surrendered and is expected to be arraigned in court today.
Satlat, 22, a Nigerian national living in South Africa, was reportedly attacked while working as a driver for Bolt.
His family has maintained that the killing was not motivated by his nationality, despite persistent concerns about xenophobic violence in the country.
Prosecutors disclosed that the suspects requested a ride last Wednesday using a phone number not registered to any of them.
Investigations revealed that two of the accused entered Satlat’s vehicle, while the remaining two followed in another car.
Authorities allege that the group later forced the driver to stop, strangled him, and made away with his mobile phone and vehicle, which was subsequently recovered.
Footage from a dashboard camera, now widely shared online, shows a violent struggle inside the car, with one passenger appearing to restrain and choke the driver until he became unresponsive.
The spokesperson of the National Prosecuting Authority, Lumka Mahanjana, confirmed that the suspects are facing additional charges of robbery.
The killing has reignited concerns over the safety of e-hailing drivers in South Africa, where attacks on operators have reportedly increased amid rising crime levels.
The E-hailing Partners Council condemned the incident, describing it as part of pattern, and called on ride-hailing platforms to strengthen passenger verification and safety protocols.
On Monday, drivers and political groups staged a protest outside the courthouse, demanding swift government action.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, one driver called for the creation of a special task force to address attacks on e-hailing operators and urged authorities to compensate families of drivers killed while on duty.
A representative of the victim’s family, Solomon Ashoms, said Satlat’s father has been severely affected by the tragedy, noting that his health has deteriorated since the incident.
The case has been adjourned until next Monday for further proceedings.
