Court remands suspects over death of Nigeria student based in South Africa

The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has ordered the continued detention of three suspects in connection with the killing of a Nigerian student and e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat.

Local broadcaster eNCA reported that the suspects Dikeledi Mphela (25), Gotseone Machidi (26) and McClaren Mushwana (30) appeared in court on Monday and were remanded in custody until February 23 while investigations continue. They are facing charges of murder and carjacking.

Satlat, a 22-year-old mobile engineering student, was allegedly killed on February 11 after responding to an e-hailing request. Video footage said to be from his vehicle’s dashboard camera, which has circulated on social media, reportedly shows passengers strangling him.

According to eNCA, Mphela turned herself in to police on Friday, while Machidi and Mushwana were arrested over the weekend. None of the suspects applied for bail. A fourth suspect later surrendered to police in Atteridgeville on Monday and is expected to appear before the same court on Tuesday on similar charges.

Outside the court, members of e-hailing associations and civil society groups staged a protest, calling for justice and describing Satlat as a gentle and well-regarded member of the community.

Reacting to the case, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission praised the show of solidarity by South Africans and said it was closely following the proceedings to ensure transparency and justice for Satlat’s family and the Nigerian community.