3 South Africans in Court for Killing Nigerian Student in Pretoria
Three South Africans have been brought before a court over the killing of a 22 year old Nigerian student who was working as a Bolt driver in Pretoria West, an incident that has sparked widespread concern about the safety of ride hailing operators.
The defendants, a 25 year old woman and two men aged 26 and 30, appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They face charges of murder and car hijacking linked to the death of Isaac David Satlat. The trio did not apply for bail and were remanded in custody after the matter was adjourned to allow further investigations.
Police are still searching for a fourth suspect believed to be connected to the crime.
Satlat, an automotive engineering student, had accepted a ride request through the Bolt platform on February 11 in Pretoria West. Preliminary findings indicate that a dashboard camera installed in his vehicle captured the attack.
Clips said to be from the footage have circulated widely online, showing the victim being assaulted inside his car. Law enforcement authorities have cautioned members of the public against sharing the video, stressing that its distribution could interfere with the ongoing investigation and deepen the trauma experienced by the victim’s family.
After the incident, Satlat’s vehicle was recovered, while his body was discovered later the same day in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that the arrests followed investigative efforts, including the examination of digital material. The female suspect was apprehended on February 13, while the two male suspects were taken into custody over the weekend. Efforts are continuing to track down the remaining suspect.
The case has drawn strong reactions from fellow e hailing drivers, some of whom assembled outside the court premises to demand improved safety protocols and stronger collaboration between ride hailing companies and security agencies.
Family members have revealed that Satlat was preparing to graduate next month and had plans to relocate to Canada to further his education. They have appealed for support to transport his remains back to Nigeria for burial, emphasizing that the incident should be viewed as a criminal matter rather than a conflict between nationalities.
South Africa continues to grapple with high rates of violent crime, including car hijackings, and there have been increasing calls for enhanced protection for gig economy workers who rely on digital platforms for their livelihood.
The case remains before the court as investigations progress and police intensify the search for the outstanding suspect.
