Three suspects accused of murdering a 22-year-old e-hailing driver in Pretoria are expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, as police continue their search for a fourth suspect.
The latest arrests bring to three the number of people in custody following the killing of Isaac David Satlat, a Nigerian national who was allegedly strangled after responding to a trip request in Pretoria West on Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
Gauteng police confirmed on Monday, 16 February 2026, that two additional male suspects, aged 30 and 26, were arrested over the weekend. They join a 25-year-old female suspect who was arrested on after ordinary South Africans reposted the video and her social media handles and photos to expose her on Friday. She was caught on a dashcam together with other suspects who allegedly killed the victim.
All three are expected to face charges of murder and car hijacking.
According to police, preliminary investigations suggest that the victim was attacked by passengers who had requested an e-hailing service in Pretoria West. His hijacked vehicle and his body were later discovered in Atteridgeville on the same day.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said investigations are ongoing and more arrests are imminent.
“The police have arrested two more suspects after an e-hailing driver was allegedly killed on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. The suspects will appear in court facing charges that include car hijacking and murder. Police are still on the lookout for the fourth suspect,” Masondo said.
Satlat’s death has sent shockwaves through both the local e-hailing community and his family in Nigeria. Speaking to journalists, his uncle described the young man as peaceful, respectful and full of ambition.
“Isaac was a peaceful and honest person. He dreamed of working on cars. He was studying mobile engineering and was due to graduate next month,” his uncle said through tears. “Isaac loved cars. He was friendly and people loved him. Everywhere he went, he received love.”
The family is now pleading for assistance to repatriate his body to Nigeria so that he can be laid to rest at home.
The murder has once again highlighted the dangers faced by e-hailing drivers, many of whom operate alone and respond to trip requests from unknown passengers. Industry stakeholders have in recent years called for enhanced safety measures, including improved passenger verification systems and stronger collaboration between e-hailing companies and law enforcement agencies.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist in locating the outstanding suspect to come forward.
The case is expected to draw attention in court on Monday as the State is likely to oppose bail, citing the seriousness of the charges. Investigations remain ongoing.
