BLOEMFONTEIN - Convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester says he fears for his safety after spending the night at the very prison he escaped from.
Bester made his first appearance at the Bloemfontein magistrate's court after being brought back to South Africa.
He was arrested alongside his girlfriend Nandipha Magudumana on Saturday in Tanzania.
It's understood the couple were on their way to Kenya.
During his appearance Bester asked to address the court, saying he had safety concerns.
But the state would not entertain Bester's request.
Bester faces charges of escaping from lawful custody, defeating the ends of justice and violation of a dead body.
The case has been postponed to 16 May.
* eNCA's Manqoba Mchunu reports.