Fundraising efforts are underway to assist the family of 22-year-old e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat, who was tragically killed during a hijacking. His family plans to take his body back to Nigeria for burial.
The attack, captured on dashcam, went viral and shocked communities across South Africa.
Satlat’s alleged killers — Dikeledi Mphela, Goitsione Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana — made a brief appearance at the Pretoria Magistrates Court, where their case was postponed to 23 February.
Speaking on behalf of the family, spokesperson Solomon Ashos explained that Isaac had only his father in South Africa, while his mother and siblings remain in Nigeria.
“The family does not have the financial means to cover the costs involved. Efforts are now underway to raise funds to assist them,” Ashos said.
The fundraising campaign has already received a strong response. Within three days of launching a page on the Back a Buddy website, half of the 70,000-rand target had been reached.
“Several Nigerian organisations and individuals locally have contributed. As of now, approximately 35,392 rand has been raised,” Ashos added.
The family has been left devastated by the violent nature of Isaac’s death.
“The family is in shock. The reality that Isaac was strangled has not fully sunk in — particularly for his mother and two siblings in Nigeria, who had not seen him for several years. He is now returning home in a coffin. His father is deeply traumatised and had to be admitted to hospital after identifying the body,” Ashos said.
Little is known about the three suspects. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that investigations and profiling of the accused continue, even after they abandoned their bail application.
“While robbery with aggravating circumstances suggests the intention was to steal the vehicle, authorities have not yet disclosed further details on the motive. Not all three accused were in the vehicle during the hijacking, but all allegedly acted in common purpose. The stolen vehicle was recovered shortly after the incident,” said NPA Gauteng spokesperson Lumka Mahanjane.
The case remains under investigation as the family and authorities seek justice for Isaac Satlat.