THE two men who forced Victor Mlotshwa into a coffin and threatened to pour petrol over him, were found guilty on Friday.
Theo Jackson and Willem Oosthuizen were charged with kidnapping, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, attempted murder and possession of an illegal firearm.
The incident took place last August.
Judge Shiela Mphahlele handed down judgement in the coffin case at the high court sitting in Middleburg, Mpumalanga.
Mphahlele said she was satisfied the state has proved beyond reasonable doubt that the men were guilty of all charges except the charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm.
During the trial, Jackson denied tying Mlotshwa up with cable ties, moering him with his fists and a knobkerrie, and kicking him all over his body.
Oosthuizen also denied being in possession of a firearm on the day.
The judge also said Oosthuizen didn't report the matter to the police who were approximately 4km away.
Delivering the judgement, Mphahlele said Oosthuizen conceded he didn't believe what they did was wrong - the reason that he never apologised.
According to Oosthuizen’s account, they only wanted to scare Mlotshwa to stop him from carrying out his threats of “burning mealie fields”.
He also said he was scared when Mlotshwa threatened to kill their wives and children.
Judge Mphahlele said the video clearly shows the accused were intent on closing the coffin with Victor inside.
