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Four suspects charged in killing of Bolt driver Isaac Satlat
Three South Africans and a fourth suspect who surrendered to police face murder and robbery charges after a dashcam video of the attack circulated widely on social media. The incident has reignited calls for better protection of e-hailing drivers in the country.
Dashcam footage captures fatal struggle
The video, shared extensively online, shows a man and a woman grappling with 22-year-old Isaac Satlat inside his vehicle. Satlat, a Nigerian national, attempts to resist before one of the assailants appears to strangle him until he loses consciousness. The footage has drawn widespread outrage.
Prosecutors allege the suspects-Dikeledi Mphela (24), Goitsione Machidi (25), McClaren Mushwana (30), and a fourth man who turned himself in on Monday-ordered a ride via the Bolt platform last Wednesday using an unregistered phone number. When Satlat arrived, two suspects entered his car while the other two followed in a separate vehicle, authorities said.
"They forced the deceased to stop, strangled him, and stole his cellphone and car, which was later recovered," said Lumka Mahanjana, spokesperson for the prosecuting authority.
Family denies xenophobic motive
Despite South Africa's history of xenophobic violence, Satlat's family insisted the attack was not motivated by his nationality. "His father is devastated; his blood pressure has spiked since the incident," said Solomon Izang Ashoms, a spokesperson for the family. "We're left with so many unanswered questions."
Drivers demand action amid rising attacks
Satlat's killing has spotlighted the growing threat to e-hailing drivers in South Africa, where crime rates remain among the highest globally. The E-Hailing Partners' Council condemned the murder as part of a broader pattern, urging companies like Bolt to "vet passengers more rigorously" and implement "preventative security measures."
Protesters, including drivers and political groups, gathered outside the Pretoria courthouse on Monday. One driver told Newzroom Afrika that the government should establish a task force to address such attacks and create a compensation system for victims' families.
"This is not an isolated incident. We need urgent intervention to protect drivers," the council stated.
Legal proceedings and next steps
The three initial suspects abandoned their bail applications during Monday's court appearance. The fourth suspect will appear in court on Tuesday. The case against all four has been postponed to next Monday.
