Three suspects in the murder of Isaac Satlat, a Nigerian student and e-hailing driver, have been placed under detention by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
The accused, Dikeledi Mphela (25), Gotseone Machidi (26), and McClaren Mushwana (30), are scheduled to appear in court on Monday and will be detained until February 23 while investigations are conducted, according to local media site eNCA. The three are accused of carjacking and murder.
According to reports, 22-year-old Satlat, a student of mobile engineering, was slain on February 11 after he picked up customers who had used his e-hailing service.
Social media users are sharing dashboard camera footage purportedly showing the passengers strangling him to death.
Mphela voluntarily turned herself in to the police on Friday, according to eNCA, while Machidi and Mushwana were taken into custody over the weekend. None of the three wanted to apply for bail.
In addition to being charged with carjacking and murder, a fourth suspect is scheduled to be arraigned before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday after purportedly turning himself in to police in Atteridgeville on Monday.
In the meantime, a group of demonstrators calling for justice for Satlat assembled outside the court, including representatives of civil society organizations and e-hailing associations.
He was described by the protesters as a well-liked and esteemed community member.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission responded to the events by praising the South African people for their unity. To guarantee justice and transparency for Satlat’s family and the Nigerian community, the commission stated that it was keeping a careful eye on the proceedings.
“Solidarity shown by South Africans outside the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today, as suspects Dikeledi Mphela, Goitsione Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana were arraigned for the brutal murder of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat, is commendable.
“NIDCOM continues to monitor developments as we ask for transparent proceedings and stand with the family and Nigerian community,” the statement reads.
