Three Remanded Over the Killing of a Nigerian Student in South Africa
The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has remanded three suspects in custody over the killing of a Nigerian student and e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat.
The accused, Dikeledi Mphela (25), Gotseone Machidi (26) and McClaren Mushwana (30), appeared in court on Monday. They are to remain in custody until February 23 while investigations continue. The trio faces charges of murder and carjacking.
Satlat, 22, was reportedly studying mobile engineering at the time of his death. Reports indicate he was attacked on February 11 after picking up passengers who had requested a ride through his e-hailing service. A dashboard camera video that has since circulated online allegedly captures the moments he was strangled.
Local broadcaster eNCA reported that Mphela turned herself in to the police on Friday. The two other suspects were arrested over the weekend. None of them applied for bail during Monday’s proceedings.
Police sources also confirmed that a fourth suspect surrendered in Atteridgeville on Monday and is expected in court on Tuesday on similar charges.
Outside the courthouse, members of e-hailing associations and civil society groups gathered, calling for justice. Some held placards while others spoke about Satlat, describing him as calm and hardworking.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission said it is following the case closely. In a statement, the commission acknowledged the support shown by South Africans who gathered at the court and called for open and fair proceedings. It also expressed sympathy with Satlat’s family.
