This morning, 16 February, the three accused – Dikeledi Tears Mphela (24), Goitsione Machidi (25), and McClaren Mushwana (30), appeared in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court, where they abandoned their bail application. They face charges of premeditated murder of a 23-year-old e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlat, as well as robbery with aggravating circumstances.
It is alleged that on 11 February 2026, the accused ordered e-hailing services using a mobile phone number that was not registered in their name. When the vehicle arrived, Mphela and an accomplice – who is still at large – got into the vehicle, while the other two accused followed in a separate car.
Mphela and her accomplice alleged forced the deceased to stop the vehicle, strangled him to death and robbed him of his cellphone and vihicle which was later recovered. The incident was captured by a camera installed in the vehicle, and the footage was circulated on social media.
According to a statement released by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the investigations by the South African Police Service (SAPS) led to the arrest of Mphela on 13 February 2026. “The other two accused were arrested on 15 February 2026. The matter was postponed to 23 February 2026 for further investigations,” the NPA statement said.
“We remain committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice,” the NPA assured the public.
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