Court remands suspected killers of S’Africa-based Nigerian student

The Pretoria Magistrate’s Court has remanded three suspects in custody over the murder of a Nigerian student and e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat.

According to local media outlet eNCA, the suspects — Dikeledi Mphela (25), Gotseone Machidi (26), and McClaren Mushwana (30) — appeared in court on Monday and will remain in custody until February 23 as investigations continue. The trio faces charges of murder and carjacking.

Satlat, a 22-year-old mobile engineering student, was reportedly killed on February 11 after picking up passengers who had requested his e-hailing service. Dashboard camera footage circulating on social media allegedly shows the passengers strangling him to death.

eNCA reported that Mphela voluntarily handed herself over to police on Friday, while Machidi and Mushwana were arrested over the weekend. All three declined to file a bail application.

A fourth suspect reportedly surrendered to police in Atteridgeville on Monday and is expected to be arraigned before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, also facing charges of carjacking and murder.

Meanwhile, a group of protesters comprising members of e-hailing associations and civil society organisations gathered outside the court, demanding justice for Satlat. The demonstrators described him as a kind and respected member of the community.

Reacting to the developments, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission commended the South African public for their solidarity. The commission said it was closely monitoring proceedings to ensure transparency and justice for Satlat’s family and the Nigerian community.

“Solidarity shown by South Africans outside the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today, as suspects Dikeledi Mphela, Goitsione Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana were arraigned for the brutal murder of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat, is commendable,” the statement read. “NIDCOM continues to monitor developments as we ask for transparent proceedings and stand with the family and Nigerian community.”(Punch)