In South Africa, farmers get bail in racially sensitive case

Two South Africa white farmers, Phillip Schutte, front, and Pieter Dooreward, back, outside the Coligny, South Africa, magistrates court, Monday May 8, 2017. The two, who are accused of murdering a black teenager, were granted bail in the racially sensitive case sparking violence. (AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

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A fireman attempts to extinguish s fire at a white residence in Coligny, South Africa, in the town where two South Africa white farmers were released on bail by the magistrates court, Monday May 8, 2017. The two, who are accused of murdering a black teenager, were granted bail in the racially sensitive case that sparked racial violence. (AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

Firemen attempt to extinguish s fire at a white residence in Coligny, South Africa, in the town where two South Africa white farmers were released on bail by the magistrates court, Monday May 8, 2017. The two, who are accused of murdering a black teenager, were granted bail in the racially sensitive case that sparked racial violence. (AP Photo) (The Associated Press)

JOHANNESBURG – Two South African white farmers who are accused of murdering a black teen-ager were granted bail in the racially sensitive case.

Angry protesters demonstrated outside the courthouse during the hearing Monday for the suspects in the rural town of Coligny in North West province. A house was set on fire after the two men were granted bail of $370 each.

South African media say the farmers on April 20 allegedly caught a 16-year-old while he was stealing sunflowers and put him in the back of a van. The farmers say the boy died after jumping out of the van while it was moving, but prosecutors say he was pushed or thrown out of the vehicle.

Looting and other violence occurred in Coligny around the time of the boy's death.