Suspect in e-hailing driver’s murder was victim’s schoolmate

One of the suspects implicated in the murder of Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, is understood to have attended the same primary school as the victim.

Satlat, 22, was allegedly lured into a Bolt trip request before being robbed and strangled to death, with his vehicle later stolen in Pretoria West several weeks ago.

The brutal attack sparked widespread outrage after dash-cam footage of the incident circulated widely on social media.

Three suspects – Dikeledi Mphela (24), Goitseone Machidi (25), and McLaren Moshwana (30) – were arrested days after the incident after they were identified in the footage.

Three additional suspects – Tumishang Mabutla (23), Ofentse Senwamadi (18), and Thabang Mothwa (25) – were later arrested as alleged accessories to the crime.

All six suspects face charges of premeditated murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances and have since abandoned their bail applications.

The victim’s family spokesperson, Solomon Ashoms, exclusively told YNews that Mabutla was identified by Satlat’s friends as a former schoolmate – a revelation he described as “unbelievable”.

Ashoms also dismissed speculation that Satlat was targeted in a xenophobic attack, stressing that the killing was purely criminal and reflective of South Africa’s high levels pf violent crime.

He added that while addressing crime will take time, instilling stronger moral values within communities could help curb such incidents.

Supporters of Satlat  gathered outside the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, condemning the killing calling for justice.

Satlat’s supporters characterised him as a well-mannered young guy who dedicated his time to work, school, and church.

They described Satlat as a respectful young man who devoted his time to work, school and church, saying his life had been cut tragically short.

Shara Ohaga, who attended court wearing a shirt bearing Satlat’s image, said incidents like this damage South Africa’s reputation internationally.

Ohaga added that crimes of such brutality should not be tolerated and called for the harshest possible sentence for the accused.

Satlat’s family said they remain confident that justice will prevail. They have since appointed a watching brief council to monitor the case and keep the family informed of developments.

Council leader, Smart Noabi, said the family has expressed mixed emotions about delays in the case but acknowledged that investigators need adequate time to finalise their work and close any potential loopholes.

Noabi told YNews that lawyers for some of the accused indicated their clients intend to plead guilty, raising hopes that the matter could be fast-tracked.

Given the seriousness of the charges, Noabi said the case should ultimately be heard in the High Court to allow for potentially harsher sentences.

“I have full confidence in our justice system. I am trained in the justice system of South Africa. I am an attorney in the republic and I have full confidence in the NPA as well as the judiciary to ensure that justice prevails. In most cases that I was involved in, definitely justice did prevail. It should be recalled that the world is watching; Africa is watching; and families are watching. This is a high profile matter and a big trial for the judiciary. All parties involved should ensure that justice is done,” Noabi said.

Noabi also praised the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the swift arrest of the suspects.

The case has been postponed to 3 June for further investigation.

Accused number four’s legal representative, Tshepo Mphahele, says his client is prepared to face the legal process and whatever outcome lies ahead.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao