Feb 17 • 06:19 UTC 🌍 Africa AllAfrica

Nigeria: 3 South Africans Charged Over Murder of Nigerian Bolt Driver

Three South Africans have been charged with the murder of Isaac Satlat, a Nigerian Bolt driver, following public outrage over dashcam footage of the incident.

Three South Africans have been charged with murder in connection to the killing of Isaac Satlat, a 22-year-old Nigerian Bolt e-hailing driver. The charges came after dashcam footage of the violent incident circulated widely on social media, igniting public outrage across South Africa. The three suspects, identified as Dikeledi Mphela, Goitsione Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana, made a brief court appearance in Pretoria and abandoned their bail applications. Authorities have also confirmed that a fourth suspect has surrendered to the police and is expected to face charges in court soon.

The incident has raised concerns regarding safety and xenophobia in South Africa, a country that has seen rising tensions between locals and foreign nationals. While the victim was Nigerian, his family downplayed the notion that the attack was related to xenophobic sentiments, despite the country's history of violent attacks against immigrants. Prosecutors indicated that the suspects had ordered the ride using a phone number not registered in their names, which points to possible premeditation behind the crime.

This case has implications beyond the immediate murder charges, as it highlights the ongoing issues of taxi-related violence and the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa. Analysts suggest that public reaction to the footage and subsequent legal proceedings could influence government policies on crime and immigration, as citizens demand greater accountability and safety measures in a nation grappling with high crime rates.

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