Hermanus van Dyk was sentenced to two years and Danie Le Roux to 18 months effective jail time in the Tzaneen Magistrates court on Monday.

Van Dyk and Le Roux were found guilty and convicted for attacking Johannes Monyela on June 18 at the Sasol garage opposite Ben Voster High School.

Van Dyk was convicted and sentenced for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and crimen injuria, while Le Roux was only convicted for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Magistrate Hellen Mkansi stated during the ruling, that the attack was of a racist nature and justice had to be served.

The CCTV footage, showing how the attack unfolded, went viral on social media. This was used as evidence in court and viewed behind closed doors.

Watch the video here: VIDEO: Racist attack on petrol attendant in Tzaneen

The two men pleaded guilty to all charges. Protesters outside the court supporting the #RacisimMustFall campaign, included The Congress Of South African Trade Unions(COSATU), The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), The Democratic Alliance (DA), The African National Congress (ANC) and Tzaneen citizens.

From inside the court chants could be heard as the protesters expressed their feeling about the attack. Gerald Twala, COSATU Provincial secretary, said that the reason they were taking part in the protests was because they were in support of Monyela and to also send a message to the Justice system and the Police to deal well with cases such as racist attacks.

All the shops, including banks in Morgan street, were closed during the court procedure.

This comes after COSATU issued a press release on their official website that they would embark on a anti-racism march on the day Van Dyk and Le Roux appeared in court.

Safety measure were in place as a large police contingent was present outside court.

Also read:

VIDEO: “We are here to condemn racism’

VIDEO: COSATU protesting at the Tzaneen library #RacismMustFall

UPDATE: Court still in session

UPDATE: Van Dyk and Le Roux plead quilty