By Thapelo Molefe
The three suspects arrested for the brutal murder of Bolt driver Isaac Satlat have abandoned bail in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
Dikeledi Mphela, Goitsione Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana briefly appeared in court on Monday in connection with the killing of the 22-year-old driver in Pretoria West last Wednesday.
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Nigerian national Satlat was allegedly strangled inside his vehicle by the suspects, who had requested a trip through the e-hailing platform.
The attack was captured on the vehicle’s dashcam and later went viral on social media, sparking outrage.
The trio face charges of premeditated murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances, with the State alleging common purpose.
During the brief appearance, the accused indicated that they could not afford private legal representation and elected to use Legal Aid. Their lawyer informed the court that they would be abandoning their bail application for now.
The state prosecutor said bail investigations were still necessary.
“In the event they change their attitude towards bail, they should find us ready,” the prosecutor told the court.
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The magistrate postponed the matter to 23 February for bail investigation and further inquiries.
All three accused will remain in custody until their next appearance. Mphela will be held at a local correctional facility, while Machidi and Mushwana will remain at the Pretoria Moot police holding cells.
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