Three suspects charged in the m¥rder of 22-year-old Bolt driver Isaac Satlat have ab@ndoned their bail application and elected to remain in custody following their appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The accused — Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana — face charges of premeditated m¥rder and aggravated rœbbery linked to the fatal att@ck that occurred in Pretoria West on February 11.
The court proceedings were brief, with the matter adjourned to February 23 to allow police to continue investigations.
According to authorities, Satlat was allegedly att@cked after responding to a ride request. His hijacked vehicle and body were later discovered in Atteridgeville on the same day. Footage related to the incident circulated widely on social media, triggering public outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of e-hailing drivers.
Outside the courtroom, fellow drivers and supporters staged a protest, chanting “Justice for Isaac” and calling on authorities to introduce stronger safety measures for drivers operating on platforms such as Bolt.
The South African Police Service confirmed that two additional male suspects, aged 30 and 26, have since been arrested and are expected to be added to the case. A fourth suspect remains at large as investigations continue.
Satlat’s family has described the k!!!ing as a criminal act, dismissing claims that the att@ck was motivated by xenophobia.
The case remains ongoing as police intensify efforts to conclude investigations and bring all suspects to justice.
