Coffin assault accused want bail despite safety concerns
The two Middelburg men accused of forcing Victor Mlotshwa into a coffin, believe they will not be safer inside prison than they would be on the outside.
They believe they should be granted bail.
The matter was postponed yesterday, and the decision whether or not to grant bail will be made next week Thursday.
A video, allegedly captured on one of their cell phones, went viral last month.
Theo Martins Jackson and Willem Oosthuizen are charged on four counts including assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and kidnapping.
Their legal representative John Welch read their affidavits to Court yesterday.
"In light of the general maturity of our populous regarding their understanding of our constitutional dispensation and the respect of basic human rights, I shall be no more safe or unsafe than inside the prison walls. In fact, I believe that because of my contribution to the family and those working for me, I shall be much safer outside than inside prison. I have personally not received any threats as a result of this incident," read Welch.
The State is opposing bail and prosecutor Robert Molokoane maintains the accused are missing the point.
"His point was that the interest of justice demand that the appellants should be tried and that if they are not and they are released on bail, with a good chance of being assassinated, no trial will take place. The truth of what happened in the matter is presently under investigation. In this case they are clearly saying the interest of justice is not particular, saying that if we're to protect them, it is for them to be safe. No, they must stand trial," said Molokoane.