Six Accused in Isaac Satlat Murder Case as Pretoria Court Probe Deepens

Accused persons in the Pretoria court

PRETORIA — The murder investigation into 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat has intensified after three additional suspects were formally joined to the case at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. The total number of accused now stands at six.

New Arraignments and Charges

On 18 February 2026, Tumishang Mogau Mabutla (23), Ofentse Senwamadi (18) and Thabang Kenneth Mothwa (27) briefly appeared in court as co-accused. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Gauteng confirmed the charges against each suspect.

According to NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, Mabutla faces charges of premeditated murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. Senwamadi has been charged with premeditated murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances as an accessory after the fact, while Mothwa faces a charge of robbery with aggravating circumstances as an accessory after the fact.

Mahanjana told reporters that investigators allege the newly added accused acted in common purpose with three previously charged suspects, Dikeledi Tears Mphela, Goitsione Machidi, and McClaren Mushwana, who had earlier appeared in court.

Authorities believe the group disposed of Satlat’s body after the killing and later handed his vehicle to Mothwa so that its tracking device could be removed, allegedly in an attempt to conceal evidence. The three additional suspects were arrested on 16 February 2026 following investigative leads linking them to the crime.

Background of the Case

Isaac Satlat was killed on 11 February 2026 while working as an e-hailing driver in Pretoria West. The circumstances surrounding his death have sparked concern within South Africa’s e-hailing community, where drivers often face safety risks while transporting passengers.

Satlat’s family has publicly emphasized that the killing should be treated strictly as a criminal act rather than an incident motivated by xenophobia. Their appeal aims to ensure the case proceeds without political tension, focusing instead on accountability and justice.

Court Timeline and Legal Complexity

The matter has been postponed to 23 February 2026 to allow the legal representative for the sixth accused to formally come on record and to enable all six suspects to appear together.

Legal analysts note that cases involving multiple accused under the doctrine of common purpose require prosecutors to clearly establish each individual’s role beyond a reasonable doubt. Allegations of body disposal and tampering with tracking evidence, if proven, may strengthen the state’s case by demonstrating coordinated conduct after the crime.

Investigations remain ongoing as police continue forensic analysis, review digital tracking data, and interview additional witnesses.

Isaac Satlat murder case