Shaheen “Boetie” Haas, the cousin of Saadiqah’s dad, told the court he did not want to testify because his family has been threatened.
On Thursday, the court issued warrants of arrest for four witnesses who failed to appear.
One of them was for Haas, who claimed he did not miss the court date on purpose.
“I was here on Wednesday, but was not told when to be here again. So when someone told me I must come, I was here on Monday, and today, they arrested me. I only came to tell the prosecutor I don’t want to testify anymore. I am afraid for my family,” said a nervous-looking Haas.
According to Haas, the threat was made on Ou Toilet, a social media chat site, where people are allowed to post anonymously.
“A friend came to me and told me we had been threatened, they said they were going to shoot my child in the head.”
Haas, who only has one child, a 12-year-old boy, added: “I went to see, but my phone has been stolen since then.”
However, Judge Langa said he wanted evidence, such as a screen grab.
He gave Haas until Thursday to get evidence, and then decided to keep him in custody.
Concerned friends and family asked how Haas was supposed to get evidence of the threats from behind bars.
Saadiqah was shot on 2 May 2016 in her ouma’s driveway.
Samier Slamang, 24, and Waylon Botha, 22, have been arrested for her murder.
The trial continues.