No bail for #CoffinAssault accused

Theo Martins Jackson and Willem Oosthuizen in the Middelburg Magistrate's Court. Picture: Independent Media

Theo Martins Jackson and Willem Oosthuizen in the Middelburg Magistrate's Court. Picture: Independent Media

Published Dec 8, 2016

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Middelburg – Two white men, accused of assaulting a black man and forcing him into a coffin, have been denied bail in the Middelburg Magistrate's Court in Mpumalanga on Thursday.

Theo Martins Jackson and Willem Oostuizen allegedly beat up Victor Rethabile Mlotshwa, whom they accused of trespassing, before forcing him into a coffin while threatening to set him alight.

A video of the assault went viral on social media leading to a national outcry.

At their last court appearance on December 2, a scuffle broke out outside the court about 20 minutes after the court had adjourned for lunch.

An unknown man was severely beaten by a mob. The man fell to the ground and was trampled on. A road signboard was put on him while he lay on the ground. The man got up and staggered through the crowd with his T-shirt pulled up to cover his face.

He had sustained a wound at the back of the head. Police saved him from further attack.

The court has been warned against granting the pair bail because of the anger in the community.

African News Agency

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