Verdict expected in South Africa's 'racist coffin' trialpublished at 09:02 British Summer Time 25 August 2017
Nomsa Maseko
BBC Africa, Middleburg
Image source, AFPWillem Oosthuizen and Theo Martins pictured at an earlier court appearance
Judgement in the trial of two white farmers accused of assaulting and forcing a black South African into a coffin and threatening to douse him in petrol and burn him alive is expected soon.
Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Jackson were arrested late last year for allegedly assaulting Victor Mlotshwa and pushing him into a coffin after he was accused of trespassing on a farm.
The victim's mother Malehlohonolo Mlotshwa has told the BBC that she wants justice for her son, who she said had been left psychologically affected by the ordeal. She also said her family still lived in fear.
Malehlohonolo Mlotshwa wants justice for her son
The two farmers are facing seven charges including attempted murder, kidnapping, defeating the ends of justice and assault. They were arrested after a video of the alleged attack was posted on social media.
In sworn statements in a previous court appearance, the accused said they had wanted to teach the victim, Victor Mlotshwa, a lesson for trespassing on their farm but meant him no harm.
But a magistrate said their actions were sadistic and racist. Supporters of the governing ANC are expected to protest against racism outside the court.
