S. Africa: 2 farmers found guilty over 'coffin attack'

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG

A court in South Africa has found two white men who attempted to force a black man into a coffin guilty of attempted murder and kidnapping.

The incident which happened last August, made headlines after video footage posted online apparently showed the men forcing Victor Mlotshwa 27, into a coffin and threatening to set it on fire.

Judge Sheila Mphahlele said Theo Jackson and Willem Oosthuizen were also guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, unlawful possession of a firearm and intimidation.

Mlotshwa said he was assaulted by the farmers and put into a coffin after he allegedly trespassed on a farm near Komati Power Station in the Mpumalanga province.

The incident caused nationwide outrage bringing back bitter memories of the apartheid system, in which black South Africans were oppressed for decades because of their race.

The farmers have been granted bail until Oct. 23, when they will be sentenced.

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG

A court in South Africa has found two white men who attempted to force a black man into a coffin guilty of attempted murder and kidnapping.

The incident which happened last August, made headlines after video footage posted online apparently showed the men forcing Victor Mlotshwa 27, into a coffin and threatening to set it on fire.

Judge Sheila Mphahlele said Theo Jackson and Willem Oosthuizen were also guilty of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, unlawful possession of a firearm and intimidation.

Mlotshwa said he was assaulted by the farmers and put into a coffin after he allegedly trespassed on a farm near Komati Power Station in the Mpumalanga province.

The incident caused nationwide outrage bringing back bitter memories of the apartheid system, in which black South Africans were oppressed for decades because of their race.

The farmers have been granted bail until Oct. 23, when they will be sentenced.