I'm Known As The Coffin Guy

Victor Mlotshwa feels badly let down by the justice system after his tormentors were released from jail early because of Covid-19

- Lesego Seokwang

It was a repulsive act of cruelty and humiliation that shocked people around the world.

“Do you want to die fast or slow?” the two burly farmers taunted as they forced Victor Mlotshwa into a coffin.

They threatened to douse him in petrol and burn him alive. And they also beat the terrified man before they forced him into the coffin and said they’d throw snakes into the casket with him.

The farmers filmed the incident which was circulated on the internet and made global headlines – and helped put them behind bars.

It’s been four years since his ordeal and Victor (32) has tried to put the nightmare behind him – but it’s all come back in a fresh wave of terror now.

His attackers, Mpumalanga farmers Theo Martins Jackson (33) and Willem Oosthuizen (32), have been freed after less than three years in jail. They were initially sentenced to 14 and 11 years respectively, then their sentences were reduced to five years each on appeal.

But now they’re out in the world again, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The men were among nearly 10 000 “low-risk” offenders recently released from South African prisons on parole to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.

Victor is in despair. “I feel like the justice system has failed me. It’s totally failed me,” he tells YOU.

During the trial the farmers claimed Victor had stolen copper cables.

But police found no evidence of theft and the pair were convicted of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, attempted murder, intimidation and defeating the ends of justice.