White farmers jailed for forcing man into coffin

Two white farmers who forced a black man into a coffin and threatened to kill him have been jailed following a trial that has reignited debate about the legacy of apartheid in South Africa.

William Oosthuizen, 29 and Theo Jackson, 30, were found guilty of forcing Victor Mlotshwa into a coffin and threatening to douse him in petrol and set him alight. They were given 11 and 14 years in jail. Judge Sheila Mphahlele said the two men showed “no remorse” and that she was sending a “harsh” message to those in South Africa who still practised racism.