Coffin assault victim savours taste of justice
Mood lifts with sentencing of attackers and surprise gift of home
sentenced Oosthuizen and Jackson to 11 years’ and 14 years’ imprisonment respectively.
Outside the court, Mpumalanga Human Settlements MEC Speedy Mashilo made the surprise announcement that not only would Mlotshwa and his family have a new government home, it would be ritually cleansed with the slaughtering of a cow.
“As the Human Settlements MEC who has been given a job of serving the people by the Premier (David Mabuza), I will make sure that I do that job. We will invite all of you and slaughter a cow to cleanse him,” said Mashilo to a crowd of ANC members outside the court.
The home would be handed over to Mlotshwa’s family in Rockdale, added Mashilo.
Mlotshwa’s sad demeanour throughout the trial transformed yesterday as he sang and danced alongside ANC members on the back of the truck outside the court after the sentences were delivered.
“I feel much better now,” said Mlotshwa. “I’m glad this case has finally come to an end and justice has been served. I thank everyone who supported me.”
In August, Oosthuizen and Jackson were found guilty of assault on Mlotshwa and another far mworker, Dalton Sithole, as well as kidnapping and attempted murder charges.
In a damning ruling, Judge Mphahlele sentenced Oosthuizen to 16 years’ imprisonment, five of which would be suspended for eight years. This means Oosthuizen was sentenced to an effective 11 years behind bars.
She imposed a 19- year sentence on Jackson, five of which were suspended for eight years. Jackson was effectively sentenced to 14 years in prison.
“The most appalling thing for the accused was to put a living person inside a coffin,” said the judge.
“The conduct of the accused was mostly dehumanising and disgusting.
“The pain and trauma the complainant (Mlotshwa) was subjected to can only be imagined.
“The evidence shows that the conduct of the accused outweighs their mitigating factors.”
Judge Mphahlele l ater turned down their application for leave to appeal against their sentences.
Oosthuizen’s wife, Chene, cried inside the court soon after the judge pronounced the sentences, while crowds of people, which included ANC and DA members danced to the sounds of Struggle songs outside court.
Speaking outside the court, Nkangala district mayor Linah Malatjie said the ANC was in court to support Mlotshwa, not to politicise the case.
“Victor is an ANC Youth League member and we will continue to support our people… whether it’s Victor or any other person,” she added.