A South African magistrate's court in Pretoria has remanded six suspects into custody following the brutal murder of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat.
The suspects – Dikeledi Tears Mphela, Goitsione Machidi, McClaren Mushwana, Tumishang Mabutlane, Ofentse Senwamadi, and Thabang Muthwa – face serious charges, including premeditated murder and robbery with aggravated circumstances.
During a recent appearance in the court, the accused abandoned their bail plea, due to which the court adjourned the case for further investigation.
This tragic incident occurred on February 11, 2026 in Pretoria West. According to the South African National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the suspects allegedly used mobile phones registered under a false name to request a ride.
Evidence from the vehicle's dashboard camera, which was widely circulated on social media, showed a female passenger and her companions attacking the satellite.
The victim was strangled from behind, before the suspects dumped his body in the back seat and hijacked the vehicle. Police later recovered the car, with Satlat's body still inside.
The murder has sparked widespread outrage within the Nigerian community and beyond. Satellat was a student in South Africa and was very close to his graduation, which was scheduled for March.
His family described him as a peaceful and hard-working young man whose dreams were cut short. They are currently appealing for assistance in repatriating his remains to Nigeria for burial in his hometown.
The Nigerian government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has strongly condemned the killing. NIDCOM Chairperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa described the rising trend of violence against Nigerians in South Africa as extremely worrying and demanded that authorities ensure that full justice is served.
As the case progresses, South African law enforcement agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to prosecute those responsible for violent crime.