Justice for Isaac: Trio Accused of Bolt Driver’s Murder Abandon Bail Application

In a dramatic turn of events, three suspects accused of the brutal murder of Bolt driver Isaac Satlat have abandoned their bail application and will remain in custody, choosing to stay behind bars after appearing in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Outside the courthouse, a sea of chanting supporters demanded accountability, their voices rising in unison: “Justice for Isaac.”

Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana face charges of premeditated murder and aggravated robbery in connection with the fatal attack on the 22-year-old e-hailing driver in Pretoria West last week. The trio made a brief appearance before the court, where the matter was postponed to February 23 for further investigation.

A Community Demands Answers

Outside the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, the atmosphere was charged with emotion as e-hailing drivers and supporters staged a powerful picket, calling on government to strengthen safety measures for drivers operating on digital platforms. Protesters repeatedly chanted “Justice for Isaac” as proceedings got under way, their voices a collective demand for accountability and change.

The demonstration highlighted growing concerns among e-hailing drivers about their safety while serving the public through popular digital platforms. Many drivers have expressed fear and frustration, calling for better protective measures and more responsive systems from both platform operators and law enforcement.

The Incident That Shook the Nation

The case relates to the devastating events of February 11, 2026, when Satlat was allegedly attacked after responding to a ride request in Pretoria West. The young driver’s hijacked vehicle and his body were later found abandoned in Atteridgeville on the same day, sending shockwaves through the community and the entire country.

The killing, which was captured on camera and widely circulated on social media, sparked national outrage. The graphic footage served as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by e-hailing drivers and prompted widespread calls for justice and systemic change.

Family Speaks Out: “This Was Criminality, Not Xenophobia”

Amid swirling speculation and attempts to frame the tragedy within broader narratives, the family of Isaac Satlat has firmly stated that the 22-year-old’s killing was an act of criminality, not xenophobia. Their clarification seeks to honour Isaac’s memory accurately and focus attention on the core issue: violent crime and the safety of workers.

The family continues to grieve the loss of a young man with his entire life ahead of him, taken senselessly while simply doing his job.

Arrests and Ongoing Investigation

Earlier on Monday, IOL reported that the net was tightening in the murder case, with the South African Police Service confirming two more arrests, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to three.

Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo provided details of the investigation:

“The police have arrested two more suspects after an e-hailing driver was allegedly killed on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. The two male suspects, who are aged 30 and 26, will join the third suspect, aged 25, who was arrested on Friday, 13 February 2026.”

Masondo confirmed that investigations remain ongoing and that officers are actively searching for at least one more suspect believed to be connected to the crime.

“All suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 16 February 2026, facing charges that include car hijacking and murder,” Masondo added prior to the appearance.

What Abandoning Bail Means

The decision by the three accused to abandon their bail application is significant. By choosing to remain behind bars rather than fight for release pending trial, the suspects will continue to be held in custody as the investigation proceeds. This decision may reflect the strength of the case against them or concerns about community tensions following the widely circulated footage of the crime.

The matter has been formally postponed to February 23, 2026, allowing investigators additional time to complete their work and potentially apprehend the remaining suspect.

Broader Questions About Safety

As the legal process unfolds, the tragic death of Isaac Satlat has reignited important conversations about the safety of e-hailing drivers across South Africa. Protesters outside the courthouse raised valid concerns about:

• Inadequate platform protections: Calls for e-hailing companies to implement more robust safety features and real-time monitoring

• Police responsiveness: Questions about how quickly authorities respond to distress signals from drivers

• Community vigilance: The role of communities in protecting workers and reporting suspicious activity

• Systemic solutions: Demands for government intervention to establish minimum safety standards for digital platform workers

Remembering Isaac Satlat

Amid the legal proceedings, political debates, and policy discussions, those closest to Isaac Satlat remember him simply as a 22-year-old with dreams, responsibilities, and a future that was stolen from him. He was a son, possibly a brother, a friend, and a young man trying to make an honest living in an economy where e-hailing provides vital income for thousands.

The chants of “Justice for Isaac” that echoed outside the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court represent not just a demand for accountability in this specific case, but a broader plea for a society where young people can work without fear of becoming victims.

What Happens Next

The case against Dikeledi Tears Phela, Gositsiane Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana will resume on February 23, 2026, when the matter returns to the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. By that time, police hope to have concluded substantial portions of their investigation and potentially located the outstanding suspect.

For the family, friends, and colleagues of Isaac Satlat, each court date brings a mixture of hope and painhope for justice, and the profound pain of reliving their loss.

The eyes of the nation remain fixed on Pretoria as the legal process continues, with supporters promising to maintain their visible presence outside court until justice is served.