A large police contingent kept watch as an alleged leader of a right-wing group suspected of plotting a coup d'etat appeared briefly in the regional court in Pretoria on Tuesday.
Thomas Vogel "Tom" Vorster, 52, of Garsfontein, Pretoria, was arrested on Monday night after more than two months on the run.
Magistrate Allan Cowan postponed the case to May 19 in the Pretoria High Court, when a terrorism and treason trial against Vorster and 17 other alleged members of the right-wing movement Boeremag is due to start.
Cowan ordered that Vorster be held at the Diepkloof prison in Johannesburg until his next court appearance.
Armed police surrounded the dock during his appearance, and prevented those attending the proceedings from sitting in the front row nearest to Vorster.
Vorster, reportedly a former member of the SA National Defence Force, is the 20th suspect to be arrested since April for his alleged involvement in the coup plot.
Two of the men have since turned state witness.
A warrant for Vorster's arrest was issued in August.
Police said his arrest followed an intensive intelligence-driven investigation.
According to documents before the court, the Boeremag intended taking control of the government and "chasing" all black people out of the country.
Police are also investigating right-wing involvement in the bombings last week in Soweto, Johannesburg, and Bronkhorstspruit outside Pretoria.
The blasts left one woman dead and her husband wounded. - Sapa