E-hailing company Bolt has revealed that 22-year-old Nigerian national Isaac Satlat was not operating under his own registered driver profile at the time of his murder in Pretoria. The company confirmed that the account used during the trip has since been permanently banned for violating its policies.
Satlat was allegedly using a profile registered to another driver, a practice Bolt describes as “profile sharing,” which is strictly prohibited on the platform. The company made the disclosure as the fourth suspect linked to Satlat’s killing prepares to appear before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. The suspect will join three co-accused who have already appeared in court in connection with the murder.
In a statement, Bolt expressed deep sorrow over Satlat’s death and extended condolences to his family and loved ones. The company said it is cooperating closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and is supporting the ongoing investigation.
“We are grateful that the suspects for this horrible crime were apprehended and will be brought to justice,” the company said.
Following an internal probe, Bolt confirmed that the active driver profile at the time of the incident belonged to Wiseman Makobe, who is registered on the platform. According to the company, Makobe completed the required verification checks on the day in question, after which Satlat allegedly operated using Makobe’s profile.
Bolt stated that this arrangement amounts to profile sharing, a serious breach of its safety policies. As a result, the account has been permanently “hard-blocked” and banned from operating on the platform.
The company emphasised that profile sharing undermines passenger trust, compromises rider safety, and violates contractual agreements with drivers. To combat such practices, Bolt says it has introduced several safety measures. These include mandatory identity verification processes, routine in-app selfie checks, device monitoring, data-driven risk detection systems, and immediate suspensions or permanent bans where violations are detected.
Bolt also addressed questions around compensation. The company clarified that its comprehensive support policies — which include compensation for death, serious injury, disability, and medical expenses — only apply when drivers are operating lawfully under their own verified profiles.
Where impersonation or profile sharing occurs, Bolt considers the individual to be operating outside the platform’s terms and conditions. In such cases, compensation policies do not apply.
“To protect the integrity of the investigation and respect all parties involved, we are unable to share further details at this time,” the company added.
The case has sparked public outrage, with growing calls for justice for Satlat. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his murder remains ongoing.
Bolt reaffirmed its commitment to operating in South Africa, describing the country as one of its largest global markets. The company also welcomed the formal regulation of the e-hailing industry, saying clearer rules would strengthen accountability and improve safety standards across the sector.
As court proceedings continue, authorities are expected to present further details about the events leading up to Satlat’s death.
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