Authorities in South Africa have charged four people with murder and robbery following the killing of an e-hailing driver whose death, captured on dashcam footage, has sparked national outrage. Three suspects Dikeledi Mphela, Goitsione Machidi and McClaren Mushwana appeared in court in Pretoria on Monday, where they abandoned bail applications. A fourth suspect later handed himself over to police and is expected to appear in court. All four face charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The victim, Isaac Satlat, 22, was a Nigerian national working as a driver on the Bolt platform. Prosecutors said the suspects ordered a ride using a phone number not registered to any of them. Two allegedly entered the vehicle, while the others followed in a separate car. Authorities say Satlat was forced to stop, strangled to death, and robbed of his phone and vehicle, which was later recovered. Graphic video footage circulating online appears to show a struggle inside the car before the driver loses consciousness. Satlat’s family said the killing was not linked to xenophobia, despite South Africa’s history of attacks on foreign nationals.
The case has reignited concerns over the safety of e-hailing drivers amid high violent crime rates. Driver associations say attacks are increasing and have called for stronger protections, including better passenger verification, in-car safety measures and emergency response systems. The e-hailing partners’ council condemned the killing, saying it was not an isolated incident, and urged companies and government to implement preventative security measures. Protests by drivers and political groups were held outside the courthouse, with calls for a dedicated task force and compensation for families of drivers killed on duty. The case was adjourned to next Monday.
