Bester and Magudumana appeared in person in the Bloemfontein magistrate's court on Tuesday morning and spoke to each other intently while sitting next to each other in the dock.

While the case has been postponed to the 11th of October 2023 for further investigation, Bester's former legal counsel advocate Jeremiah Pela and instructing attorney Tsireledzo Ndou withdrew from representing him at his last virtual court appearance as it emerged they themselves are facing criminal charges. 

10 other people have so far been arrested in connection with Bester's audacious escape from Mangaung prison in May last year as seven of them are either current or former employees of security company G4S.

Six of the accused have successfully applied for bail, while Magudumana abandoned her bail bid to challenge her arrest and detention.