The case was postponed to May 17 for a formal bail application.
The detective and two informers were arrested on Tuesday after a thorough investigation by the IPID.
Ipid National spokesman Moses Dlamini says the suspects are in custody, but would not disclose where they are being held.
The detective, a colleague and three informers allegedly tortured a man to death, and shot and killed two others, in Carltonville on April 17.
The second detective and the third informer are yet to be arrested.
Dlamini says IPID are investigating the killing of three men allegedly by the two detectives, who are both stationed at the Springs Police Detective Services.
The two constables were investigating a business robbery, when they arrested four suspects.
It is alleged that one of the suspects was tortured and later died.
He was taken to Pholosong Hospital, but the hospital allegedly refused to admit him as he was already dead.
The other detective is still at large and is being sought by the SAPS to ensure that he is taken into custody and charged.
Springs police spokesman Capt Johannes Ramphora says investigations are being done by IPID.
