Samuel Marothodi Maphanga, 25, of Soshanguve North in Pretoria, was applying for bail on new facts.

His lawyer, advocate Samuel Modau, read an affidavit in court in which Maphanga stated that his life was no longer in danger, as the two other men wanted in the case had been arrested.

He also said he would not interfere with the investigation because it had been completed.

Maphanga further said that the State's case against him was weak as nothing had been found in his possession and that he intended to plead not guilty.

The State alleged that Maphanga, Ndoda Mathibefazi and Jonathan Seloane shot and wounded Warrant Officer Sipho Sithole, 48, in Letlhabile near Brits on November 14, before they hijacked his car.

Sithole was in his car when he was approached by three men. They allegedly shot him once in the chest and fled with his car. He was rushed to hospital, where he later died.

His car was found in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria.

The three face charges of murder and armed robbery.

Modau told the court that Maphanga was not a flight risk.

But Warrant Officer Victor Ramorwesi, the investigating officer, told the court that Maphanga's life was still in danger.

"The community out there is angry. The community still pose a danger to his life," he said.

Modau retaliated by saying: "Did you interview the community? When the community is irate, they would have filled up this court room and protested outside. I have not seen that happening.

"I put it to you that the community is allowing the law to take its course."

Ramorwesi told the court he had not interviewed the community members, but that they had told him how they felt about police killings.

Prosecutor Cassius Mona told the court that the defence had failed to bring exceptional reasons for Maphanga to be released on bail.

"The accused faces a lengthy term in jail and there is a risk that he will not stand trial."

This was after Modau said Maphanga was handed over to the police and that he had not tried to flee.

Magistrate Reagan Rosenberg denied bail.

The case was postponed to May 6.

Mathibefazi and Seloane did not apply for bail.

Maphanga was arrested on November 25 and Mathibefazi on January 31, both in Soshanguve. Seloane was arrested on February 4 in Makapanstad.

- News24.com