Johannesburg - The four men accused of killing Mozambican national Manuel Jossias, initially identified as Emmanuel Sithole, abandoned their bail bid in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Two of the four, Sizwe Mngomezulu and Sifundi Mzimela, wanted to enter into a plea bargain with the State.
The other two, Ayanda Sibiya and Mthinti Bhengu, might plead not guilty.
The matter was postponed to May 13 for lawyers to get further instructions from the four.
Jossias was stabbed in broad daylight in Alexandra, Johannesburg, on Saturday, April 18.
Pictures of him being attacked and stabbed were published on the front page of the Sunday Times.
The youngsters, all in their 20s, allegedly stole cigarettes from Sithole, a vendor, and attacked him when he confronted them.
Jossias's death occurred during a wave of xenophobic attacks on foreigners in April. It started in townships around Durban and spread to Gauteng. At least seven people, including three South Africans and Jossias, were killed. Scores were injured and displaced.