By Favour Ulebor
Three South Africans have been charged with homicide over the killing of a Nigerian Bolt e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, after dashcam footage of the incident was shared extensively on social media and sparked public outrage.
The suspects, Dikeledi Mphela, 24; Goitsione Machidi, 25, and McClaren Mushwana, 30, appeared briefly in courtroom in Pretoria, yesterday. They later deserted their bail purposes.
Police additionally confirmed {that a} fourth suspect has handed himself over and is anticipated to seem in courtroom as we speak.
The sufferer, Isaac Satlat, 22, was a Nigerian nationwide dwelling in South Africa. His household mentioned the assault was not linked to his nationality, regardless of repeated instances of xenophobic violence within the nation.
In accordance with prosecutors, the suspects ordered a Bolt experience final Wednesday utilizing a cellphone quantity not registered to any of them.
Authorities mentioned two of the suspects entered Satlat’s car, whereas the opposite two adopted behind in a separate automobile. They allegedly pressured him to cease, strangled him to demise, and robbed him of his cellphone and car. The automobile was later recovered.
A dashcam video of the incident, which has been extensively shared on social media, exhibits a person and a girl combating the driving force earlier than one of many passengers appeared to choke him till he went limp.
The Nationwide Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, confirmed that the suspects are additionally going through theft expenses.
The killing has renewed considerations over the protection of e-hailing drivers in South Africa, the place assaults on drivers have been growing amid excessive crime charges.
The e-hailing companions council condemned the homicide, describing it as not an remoted incident, and known as for stronger security measures to guard drivers. The group additionally urged e-hailing corporations to correctly vet and confirm passengers to forestall criminals from posing as prospects.
On Monday, drivers and political events gathered outdoors the courthouse in protest, calling for pressing authorities intervention.
One driver, quoted by native broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, known as for a particular job crew to sort out assaults on e-hailing drivers and likewise demanded compensation for households of drivers killed whereas working.
A spokesperson for the sufferer’s household, Solomon Ashoms, mentioned Satlat’s father has been deeply affected by the demise.
“His dad is struggling. We’re very afraid for him as a result of his blood strain has been taking pictures up because the demise,” he mentioned.
The case in opposition to the three suspects was adjourned till subsequent Monday.
The publish 3 South Africans charged over murder of Nigerian Bolt driver appeared first on Vanguard News.
