The trial would instead begin on Tuesday morning, so the relevant documents could be prepared for proceedings to begin, a court official said.

The trial of Thamsanqa Ncema, Linda Sololo, Meshack Malele, Motome Walter Ramatlou, Percy Mnisi, Bongumusa Mdluli, Sipho Ngobeni, Lungisa Ewababa, and Bongani Kolisi has been beset by numerous delays since Macia's death in February 2013.

They were arrested after a video showing Macia being tied to the back of a police van and dragged through the streets of Daveyton went viral and caused public outrage.

Police say they had a confrontation with Macia when he refused to move his taxi, which was obstructing traffic.

Macia was found dead in the police holding cells several hours later. He was wearing his underwear and socks. His trousers were later found in another part of the police station.

A post-mortem found that he died from a lack of oxygen.

Witnesses reported that he had wounds to the head.

The police have denied playing any part in Macia's death, and have claimed he was alive when he was put in the cell.

- News24.com