South African authorities have arrested two additional suspects in connection with the gruesome killing of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac David Satlat, bringing the total number of people in custody to three.
Police confirmed that the newly arrested suspects, aged 30 and 26, will appear in court alongside a female suspect who had earlier been apprehended over the crime. All three are expected to face charges of carjacking and murder at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
According to reports by SABC News, a manhunt is still underway for a fourth suspect believed to have been involved in the deadly attack, as investigators continue to pursue leads.
How The Attack Happened
Police say Satlat was lured to his death last week after accepting a ride request in Pretoria West while working. He was allegedly strangled by attackers who then hijacked his vehicle.
His body and the stolen car were later discovered in Atteridgeville the same day, sparking outrage among migrant communities and fellow ride-hailing drivers across South Africa.
Family In Grief, Appeals For Help
The victim’s family says they are devastated and struggling to raise funds to repatriate his remains to Nigeria for burial.
Speaking earlier, family spokesperson Otila Onoja described Satlat as a peaceful and hardworking young man who had travelled abroad in search of better opportunities. He was reportedly studying mobile engineering and was expected to graduate next month.
Relatives said he was passionate about automobiles and technology, and had dreams of building a career in the automotive sector.
Rising Safety Concerns Among Drivers
The killing has renewed fears over the safety of ride-hailing drivers, who industry groups say are increasingly targeted by criminals using anonymous ride requests.
A representative of South Africa’s Meter Taxi and E-hailing Association warned that weak security systems on digital platforms make drivers highly vulnerable to opportunistic attacks.
Meanwhile, ride-hailing company Bolt expressed deep sadness over the incident, saying it is cooperating fully with law enforcement and providing relevant information to support the investigation.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo assured the public that investigations remain active, promising that all individuals connected to the killing will be tracked down and brought to justice.
