Three additional suspects have been arraigned before a court in Pretoria, South Africa, in connection with the killing of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlet, as Nigerians and South Africans staged solidarity gatherings demanding justice.
The suspects were arraigned on Monday at the Pretoria Central Magistrate Court following investigations into the incident that led to Satlet’s death. Those charged are Dikeledi Mphela, Gotseone Machidi and McClaren Mushwana, while a fourth suspect reportedly turned himself in voluntarily to authorities.
The development came after the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, had earlier demanded the arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the killing. She made the call on Sunday, stressing the need for justice and accountability.
Large crowds of Nigerians and South Africans gathered outside the Pretoria Central Magistrate Court to show solidarity with the victim’s family and to welcome the arraignment of the suspects. Witnesses said demonstrators expressed relief at the progress made so far in the case, describing it as a step toward justice.
Dabiri-Erewa had also raised concerns over what she described as the increasing cases of criminal attacks and killings involving Nigerians residing in South Africa, urging authorities to ensure the safety of foreign nationals.
Satlet, who was based in Pretoria, was reportedly a student preparing to graduate next month. Friends and associates described him as hardworking and ambitious, noting that he had planned to further his education in Canada.
The case has continued to attract attention from both Nigerian and South African communities, with calls for a thorough investigation and speedy prosecution of all suspects involved.
