Coffin assault duo appeal dismissed
The sentencing appeal by two men who forced Victor Mlotshwa into a coffin and threatened to pour petrol over him has been dismissed.
Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Jackson have been sentenced to 11 years and 14 years in prison respectively.
The coffin case first made headlines when a video of the ordeal surfaced on social media in August 2016.
Jackson's lawyer, Carel Taute, says: "This jail sentence is shocking, and we will submit an appeal."
State prosecutor Robert Molokoane says if the men had killed Mlotshwa, no one would have known because of the secluded area to which they took him.
He says the duo showed arrogance and a display of power.
Meanwhile, South Africans are already weighing in on the sentencing and appeal.
There's no remorse from these men!!! If they appeal and take it to a higher court, I hope they lift the suspended sentences. #CoffinAssault
— Samkelo Ndlovu (@SamkeloNdlovu) October 27, 2017
#CoffinAssault So that's their appeal reasoning...they were provoked ??
— Afrikan Queen (@kefentse_m) October 27, 2017
Lawyers for accused persons came prepared! A whole appeal is being argued now! Bathong! #CoffinAssault #ThatoDM #BestBelieve
— Thato Mashishi™ (@ThatoDM) October 27, 2017
#CoffinAssault Let them appeal, its their right but judgement will be upheld.
— Tuser (@tuse11) October 27, 2017