CONSTABLE Shadrack Malaka, the Alexandra policeman who allegedly shot and killed three-year-old Atlegang Phalane last month, goes to trial on February 17 next year to face the murder charge.

The Thembisa magistrate's court postponed the case against Malaka yesterday.

Malaka killed Atlegang in a car outside his home in Klipfontein View, Midrand, on November 7.

Malaka has claimed that he thought the pipe Atlegang was holding was a gun.

The constable was at the house to arrest the toddler's father, Vusi Mchunu, and his uncle Peter Monaisa in connection with a murder that was committed in Alexandra.

The two were charged with murder, but the case against the father was provisionally withdrawn.

Monaisa was later released on bail.

Mchunu was again arrested early this month in connection with a July house robbery in Randburg. Police are also investigating a link between him and another robbery that took place in Midrand in October. He was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and a possible link to the two house robberies. Mchunu was arrested on December 4 at the same house that his son was murdered.