The ANC says the sentencing of the coffin assault duo is a befitting honour to Oliver Tambo’s legacy
The African National Congress in Mpumalanga released a statement after the conviction of Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Jackson who forced Victor Mlotshwa into a coffin threatening to set it alight.
The ruling party stated that it views the judgement by the court as a decisive action in honouring Tambo’s legacy, especially his commitment to a non-racial South Africa, which he expressed on many occasions including the 10th anniversary of Umkhonto Wesizwe.
Willem Oosthuizen was sentenced to 16 years in prison‚ five of which were suspended, which will result in him spending 11 years while Theo Jackson was sentenced to 14 years.
ALSO READ: BREAKING NEWS: Coffin assault duo sentenced
The statement further reads:
We call upon Correctional Services to move swiftly and without delay, to ensure that these two barbaric racists spend tonight as their first night in prison, which will be their home for the coming decade and more.We have no doubt that these sentences will serve as a serious deterrent to other racists, who still stand opposed to Oliver Tambo’s thesis of a united, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa. South Africans from all walks of life must unite and celebrate Oliver Tambo’s legacy by exposing racism wherever it shows its ugly head, especially in farms wherein our people continue to be treated as second class citizens.
Judge Segopotje Sheila Mphahlele, the National Prosecuting Authority and the South African Police Services were commended for performing their duty by the party and also thanked the Regional Executive Committee of the ANC in Nkangala Region and the community of Nkangala for supporting and pledging solidarity with Victor Mlotshwa and his family during the case.
