Pretoria murder suspects drop bail bids in Bolt driver killing

A brutal hijacking caught on dashcam has left a Bolt driver dead, three suspects locked up, and tensions boiling across two countries.

Murder case before the Pretoria court

• Pretoria Magistrate’s Court saw three accused drop their bail bids.
• Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana face premeditated murder and aggravated robbery counts.
• Allegations tie them to Isaac Satlat’s killing in Pretoria West.
• The case was postponed to 23 February for further investigations.

Attack on Bolt driver Isaac Satlat

• Isaac Satlat, a 22-year-old Nigerian national, drove for Bolt.
• Ride request allegedly led him into a deadly setup.
• Assailants reportedly hijacked and strangled him inside his vehicle.
• Atteridgeville is where his car and body were later found.

Outrage, protests, and an investigation

• Dashcam footage of the assault spread widely online.
• Backlash erupted in South Africa and Nigeria after the clip surfaced.
• Police confirmed a fourth suspect is still being hunted.
• Authorities cautioned the public against reposting the graphic video.

Family tribute and repatriation plans

• Satlat’s relatives described him as calm and hardworking.
• Studies in mobile engineering had him set to graduate in March 2026.
• The family is arranging to return his body to Nigeria.
• Supporters outside the court demanded tighter safety rules for e-hailing drivers.