E-hailing Driver Murder: Three Suspects Make First Appearance, Abandon Their Bail Application
- Three suspects arrested for the murder of Bolt driver Isaac David Satlat made their first appearance before the Pretoria Magistrate's Court
- Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana were arrested in connection with the brutal murder of Satlat
- Satla was murdered after picking up passengers, and his body and hijacked vehicle were later found in Atteridgeville
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The three suspects arrested for the murder of the Bolt driver, Isaac David Satlat, made their first appearance in court on 16 February 2026.
Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana appeared briefly before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, charged with carjacking and murder. They were arrested in connection with the murder of the 22-year-old Satlat.
Satla was strangled inside his vehicle in Pretoria West on 11 February 2026 by passengers who requested his services. The brutal attack was captured on a dashcam and soon went viral on social media.
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Suspects intend to abandon their bail application
During a brief court appearance on 16 February 2026, the trio indicated that they had no funds for legal representation and opted to make use of a legal aid lawyer. They also indicated that they would be abandoning their bail application.
The case has now been postponed to 23 February 2026 to allow for further investigation. They will remain in custody.
Police urged citizens not to share the video
Police have also urged social media users not to share the video, which has since gone viral. In the video, the woman in the bucket could be seen in the front passenger’s seat. Together with a man who was sitting behind the driver, they assaulted Satlat and strangled him.
When his body went limp, they put him into the backseat. A third man was then seen getting behind the wheel. The hijacked vehicle and Satlat’s body were later found in Atteridgeville on the same day.
South Africans react to the arrests
Social media users weighed in on the arrests, welcoming them, but also questioning what the motive for the murder was.
Wakhe Nkazimulo Phungwayo asked:
“How many were there in total, kanti?”
Nlcy Makip See-One questioned:
“But what were these guys looking for?”
Immaculate Mokgoatlheng stated:
“I am so pleased that they were all captured. Let's hope the court and the judge don't mess it up.”
Riana Pieterse exclaimed:
“Well done. We pray that justice will be served.”
Nso Vo Monweg said:
“They have to plead guilty, simple as that, and get their double life terms sentences.”
Petronella Ndebele suggested:
“The death penalty is the only solution to end these unnecessary killings.”
Fourth suspect hands himself over to police
Briefly News reported that a fourth suspect in the murder of Salat handed himself over to the South African Police Service.
The fourth suspect handed himself over after three suspects appeared in court, charged with murder and carjacking.
South Africans welcomed the decision, as some discussed how there were more suspects than originally seen in the video.
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Source: Briefly News
