After the farmers Willem Oosthuizen (29) and Theo Jackson (30) – who filmed themselves forcing Victor Mlotshwa into a coffin – were sentenced to 16 years with five suspended, we asked residents how they feel. Here is what they had to say …
IZEL CRONJE: What they did was pathetic and should have gotten stronger sentences. What they did was not right and absolutely brutal to try and harm another in such a way.ZANELE COETZEE: Racism is still a big issue in our country and the impact this incident had on the victim is immense. He will be traumatised for years to come so the sentence the farmers received was too little.KAREN JOUBERT: What they did was unfair and deserve in life in prison and not just 15 years. It is really sad that this is how we treat each other in this country.ASHLEIGH ROSS: What they did was bad and I can imagine how the victim feels having gone through such an ordeal. It will be very difficult for him to get over this and will need extensive therapy for most of his life.POOVEN MOONSAMY: Their sentences were too low for the nonsense they did. They should get life in prison because they can’t play with people’s lives like toys.