Coffin duo now face additional charges
TWO men accused of forcing Victor Mlotshwa into a coffin will stand trial for attempted murder in June.
The two men allegedly threatened to pour petrol on Mlotshwa after shoving him into the coffin.
The case has drawn widespread outrage from the public and politicians alike‚ due to the heavy racial undertones.
The trial has been set down for June 26 to 29.
The two accused will now face charges of attempted murder‚ alternatively assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
They had previously faced charges of kidnapping and assault.
Theo Jackson and Willem Oosthuizen appeared in the Middelburg Regional Court in Mpumalanga yesterday‚ where they were informed by magistrate Lindiwe Vukeya that they would remain in custody until their next appearance.
Jackson is represented by Marius Coertze and Oosthuizen is represented by Christo Geldenhuys.
The two men are accused of attacking Mlotshwa in Mpumalanga in August.
“We have been informed that attempted murder has been added by the state but we will plead not guilty for both the accused‚” Coertze said.
During their last appearance‚ Jackson and Oosthuizen told the court they had merely wanted to teach Mlotshwa a lesson.
State prosecutor San Bhartu said the charges had been changed due to new evidence.
The SACP’s Marumo Segwele said: “If it were up to us‚ we would keep the duo behind bars throughout winter, so that they could be taught a lesson.”
The ANC Youth League was also in the court to support the victim.
Mpumalanga provincial executive committee member Bheki Sithole said: “We want to make it clear that we have full confidence in our judicial system. We believe that this matter will be handled correctly.”