#CoffinCase suspects back in court
Two men accused of forcing Victor Mlotshwa into a coffin on a farm in Mpumalanga, are expected back in the Middelburg Magistrates Court this morning.
Last month a video emerged of Theo Martins Jackson and Willem Oosthuizen allegedly forcing Mlotshwa into the coffin after they alleged that he had been trespassing.
Jackson and Oosthuizen briefly appeared in court last month, but had indicated at the time that they would not immediately apply for bail.
Mlotshwa attended the first court appearance and sat in the front row with his family, as well as supporters from the ANC, DA and EFF.
Speaking to supporters after court he explained how traumatic the experience was and thanked the ANC for its support.
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Proceedings are set to start after 9am.
The video made headlines after going viral on social media with reaction from various civil organisations as well as members of the public condemning the incident.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation is calling for the toughest possible sanctions to be imposed on the two men.
"The brutality of the incident is shocking," says Neeshan Balton, the Foundation's Director, noting that the racial dynamics of the situation was highly disturbing.
"Of all the hideous acts of racism that has plagued South Africa of late, the incident of placing Victor Rethabile Mlotshwa in a coffin and threatening to burn him is amongst the most despicable.