South African Trio Charged with Premeditated Murder of Nigerian Bolt Driver Isaac Satlat After Shocking Dashcam Footage Goes Viral

 Three South Africans have been charged with premeditated murder, hijacking, and aggravated robbery in the brutal killing of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver Isaac David Satlat.

The incident occurred on February 11, 2026, in Pretoria West when Satlat, a Nigerian national and automotive engineering student reportedly close to graduation, picked up passengers via the Bolt platform. Dashcam footage, which has since circulated widely on social media, shows a violent struggle inside the vehicle: Satlat attempting to defend himself before one of the passengers allegedly strangles him until he goes limp.

The suspects – identified as Dikeledi Mphela (24), Goitsione Machidi (25), and McClaren Mushwana (30) – appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Monday. They abandoned their bail applications and remain in custody. The case has been postponed to February 23 for further investigations.

Police reports indicate the suspects used a number not registered to any of them to book the ride, suggesting planning. Satlat's hijacked vehicle and body were later discovered abandoned in Atteridgeville the same day.

A fourth suspect is reportedly involved, with updates noting that one additional person turned themselves in or was arrested shortly after initial reports.

Satlat's family has strongly stated that the attack was not motivated by xenophobia – despite South Africa's history of such violence against foreigners – and could have happened to anyone. They described it as a criminal act rather than one targeting nationality.

The case has sparked widespread outrage online and calls for justice, with supporters chanting "Justice for Isaac" outside the court. It also renews discussions on the safety of e-hailing drivers and foreign nationals working in the gig economy in South Africa.

Authorities continue to investigate, emphasizing that arrests were swift due in part to the viral video evidence.