In a turn of events, Thabo Bester went on a rant after he was given a chance to address the Free State High Court during his appearance today. Bester, his married lover Dr Nandipha Magudumana and seven other accused appeared in court today for the pre-trial hearing.

"DESTROYED WITHOUT FACTS"

During his rant, Bester claimed that there was political interference in his case and that he is not treated like other inmates in the country. A well-dressed Bester, who complained that he did not pick his own outfit, told the court that he doesn't feel equally treated like any other accused person in the country. "First of all, you have the media that has tarnished and destroyed me without facts and evidence, it's already confirmed that I have a scheme, but no one knows the true facts. It is already confirmed that Thabo Bester is a rapist and a murderer but there's no evidence," said Bester.

NOT THE WORST INMATE IN THE COUNTRY

He said he's not the worst inmate in this country and doesn't have the worst charges. "I have three counts, but I am the most popular inmate in this country for no reason. It's because of the political carnage and issues that I have in my personal capacity that have nothing to do with these legal proceedings. I feel that I'm allowed to address that and in my last point I feel that it's unfair for these people that are sitting here as my so called accused to be in court when I know very well, they have nothing to do with this. I know very well that they were not present in any of these issues that are in the indictment," Bester told the court. The convicted convict and murderer also suggested that his release was orchestrated by individuals with political influence.

"The people that are protected by the investigating team are very clearly known because I have more than enough evidence to prove that this thing is much more than just an average G4S officer that just decided to release me one day. It's highly impossible to do that without political power or high profiles that are involved in this issue. I have been out in South Africa living my life for a whole year and I have not violated any human."

"BRING BACK DEATH SENTENCE"

Bester also asked the court to give out a petition for the public to sign for his death sentence. "Immediately, I will agree to it and we can end this matter. I came here with 80 cars, I woke up at 2am. I've been having chains on my feet. My feet are icy. I cannot feel my toes at this point. This is not the way I want to proceed, your Honour. If it means that this court can accept the petition and the public can sign it, then we can put all this to rest. I am at peace. I know what I've done and what I have not done," Bester told the court.

NO ATTORNEY WANTS ME

Bester added that it was difficult for him to appoint an attorney because nobody wants to be associated with him. "Even in the legal fraternity, it's difficult to appoint an attorney because they will cancel briefs on the basis that they don't want to be associated with me because the media will attack them. I've had five councils who told me that they'd love to be on my case but only in the background because they cannot be seen in front, fearing being destroyed by the media and the state not giving them any work." The accused will be back in court on the 24th of July for another attempt at a pre-trial conference. Some legal representatives are still to receive financial instructions and Bester is assembling a new legal team.