Fourth suspect in e-hailing driver murder case turns himself in

 

A fourth suspect linked to the murder of a 23-year-old e-hailing driver in Pretoria has handed himself over to police.

This comes as three of his alleged accomplices appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where they all abandoned their bail applications. The matter has been postponed to 23 February.

The victim, Isaac Satlat, was fatally attacked less than a week ago after the group allegedly lured him to Pretoria West by requesting a trip through an e-hailing platform.

Three days after the killing, a 24-year-old female suspect, Dikeledi Tears Mphela, was arrested. Two more suspects — Sione Goitseone Machidi (25) and Tinkyiko McLaren Moshwana (30) — were taken into custody shortly thereafter.

Dashcam footage allegedly showing two of the suspects during the deadly hijacking sparked widespread outrage on social media, with users calling for help in identifying those involved.

Satlat, a Nigerian national, was later found dead in Atteridgeville, where the hijacked vehicle was also recovered.

SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Mavela Masondo, confirmed to YNews that a fourth suspect is now also in custody.

Twenty-two-year-old Itumeleng Marutla’s lawyer, Advocate Thabiso Mphahele, told YNews that he assisted his client in handing himself over at the Atteridgeville Police Station after indicating over the weekend that he intended to do so.

“We just handed in the fourth suspect. I will be representing him in this matter. We also informed the investigating officer of our intention to hand him in at the Atterivdgeville police station, which is what we did. This has been the plan over the weekend that the suspect, Mr. Marutla will be handed over,” says Advocate Mphahele.

Marutla is expected to make his first court appearance on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

The three suspects who appeared in court face charges of premeditated murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Meanwhile, members of the Pretoria West community have expressed deep concern over the killing, particularly the involvement of a female suspect.

Community member Virginia Mathebula described the incident as heartbreaking.

The case against the three suspects who appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today, has been postponed to 23 February.

All three face charges of premeditated murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Atteridgeville community leader and Dipeu Tsa Tshwane civic organisation founder Samuel Masilela said residents are demanding swift justice.

“We can’t keep losing people like this. People can’t be killed like flies like this. This thing must come to an end. So we are here today supporting our drivers and standing in solidarity with the family of the driver who lost his life due to the incident. We are hoping our justice system will look into this act of crime and provide justice for our people, community, and families who are in deep sorrow over the loss of their loved ones,” says Masilela.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao