By Levy Masiteng
The case of six suspects linked to the brutal killing of 22-year-old e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat was postponed to next week Tuesday, after they appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Only five of the accused were brought before court after an administrative error prevented one suspect from appearing.
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During the short hearing, their legal representative confirmed that no bail application would be made at this stage and all accused would remain in custody pending the next appearance.
The state did not oppose the postponement, saying additional time was needed to consolidate evidence and complete investigative processes.
Satlat was found dead inside his vehicle in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, earlier this month.
Police say he was attacked while on duty.
The killing has sparked strong reactions from e-hailing companies and industry groups.
However, Bolt, one of the major e-hailing platforms, confirmed that Satlat was not operating under his own registered account at the time of his death, and was using another driver’s profile.
They said that sharing or using someone else’s account is against its rules, and that the specific profile involved has been permanently banned.
Bolt also said its standard compensation policies would not apply in this case because Satlat was not logged into an eligible driver profile when the attack occurred.
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The E-Hailing Partners Council, an industry body representing drivers and operators, condemned the killing and called for better safety measures for drivers.
Its chair, Henry Mathebula, described the attack as “devastating” and warned that e-hailing drivers are becoming “easy targets” if action is not taken.
“There must be stronger collaboration between e-hailing companies and law enforcement, with improved verification and safety systems to protect drivers who work long hours to serve the public,” Mathebula said.