Residents of Coligny in the North West have signed a petition against the release of two farmers accused of the murder of a teenager.

Pieter Doorewaard‚ 26‚ and Phillip Schutte‚ 34‚ are accused of murdering Motlhomola Mosweu.

The men say he accidentally fell off the back of a bakkie while they were taking him to the police station for stealing a sunflower from a field.

During their bail application in the Coligny Magistrate’s Court on Friday‚ prosecutor Khetheni Mudau asked to hand in a petition signed by black community members who oppose bail.

A state witness‚ Colonel Johannes Serfontein‚ confirmed that members of the public were up in arms and have threatened to cause disruptions if the men are released on bail.

“From the information we’ve picked up‚ the community are not in favour of the accused receiving bail.

“There is an indication that if they are granted bail‚ the community will intensify public violence‚” Serfontein said.

The bail application continues.