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Fourth Suspect Surrenders in Killing of Pretoria E‑Hailing Driver as Three Remain in Custody

Dashcam evidence helped drive swift arrests, intensifying calls for stronger protections for drivers.

Overview

  • Police say a fourth suspect handed himself over on Monday and is expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
  • The three initial accused — Dikeledi Tears Mphela, 24, Goitsione Machidi, 25, and McClaren Mushwana, 30 — abandoned bail, with the case postponed to 23 February for further investigation.
  • Prosecutors have laid charges including premeditated murder, carjacking and robbery with aggravating circumstances following the 11 February attack captured on the vehicle’s dash camera.
  • Bolt stated the victim was not registered on its platform and had operated using another driver’s profile, a practice the company says is forbidden and now blocked.
  • E‑hailing drivers and supporters protested outside court and sector leaders urged tighter passenger verification and mandatory dashcams, while the victim’s family appeals for funds to repatriate his body to Nigeria.