A man who allegedly told an e.tv programme he would "rob and kill" tourists during the 2010 World Cup may be schizophrenic, the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court heard on Wednesday.

Evans Tsietsi Mdebuka Radebe appeared briefly in court for what was meant to be a bail application but was remanded into custody until Thursday because his public defender was unavailable.

Radebe may not have his bail hearing as the state is likely to ask that he be put under psychiatric observation to determine his mental state.

"The state has received evidence that the accused may be schizophrenic," said prosecutor Mienke Erasmus.

Radebe may also be receiving treatment for his schizophrenia, the court heard.

Radebe is alleged to be a self-professed criminal who, with his identify concealed, gave an interview to e.tv on January 16 in which he said he and others would "rob and kill" tourists visiting during the World Cup.