Robbery accused Bongani Moyo told the Pretoria Regional Magistrate's Court on Tuesday that he escaped from custody because a policeman had threatened to kill him.
"I am not guilty. The policeman said he was going to kill me that day if I did not go out with him to point out some people. When he had gone back into the courtroom, I stood up and left."
He said he was scared the policeman was going to carry out the threat.
Moyo's trial was adjourned on Tuesday to allow him time to read and understand the documented court proceedings of August 10, 2011, the day he walked out of the same court on crutches.
After the break, he said he had read the documents but had not understood them, prompting the court to adjourn again.
Last year, Moyo elected to conduct own defence for the charge of escaping from lawful custody.
A Legal Aid Board lawyer was appointed to represent Moyo. The trial would proceed after Moyo had consulted his lawyer.
Moyo, who was in leg irons and handcuffs, was escorted by several members of the police tactical response team.
The escape trial was postponed on November 10 last year as Moyo said he had a toothache and could not participate in the proceedings.
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