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Two white men in court for putting a black man in a coffin alive
South Africa took interest in the incident after a mobile phone footage showed the two white farmers pushing Victor Mlothshwa, an unemployed resident into a coffin in August 2016.
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The white men in question have been on trial after they shoved a black man in a coffin and threatened to set him ablaze.
The men were found guilty of six out of seven charges in August 2017.
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Due to the history of protracted racism in South Africa, the courtroom was packed to capacity as activists and representatives from some of the major political parties flocked to witness the conclusion of a case that took the country aback.
In the footage, Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Martins Jackson, could be seen trying to close the lid of the coffin with their boots as Mlothshwa begged for his life.
They could also be heard hurling abuse and threatening to douse him with petrol and set him on fire.
The incident took place on a farm close to Komati power station in Middelburg, a northeastern town, and sparked a national outrage.
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The development was reminiscent of the country's racist past, hence the national interest.
According to reports, about 250 people gathered to sing, dance and show solidarity for Mlothshwa.
The supporters held placards with the inscription, "Black Lives Matter", and wearing T-shirts bearing the faces of anti-apartheid icons Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, the protesters said they were demonstrating against abusive, racist behaviour.
Oosthuizen and Jackson pleaded not guilty to the charges of attempted murder, saying they merely wanted to scare Mlotshwa, who they accused of cable theft.
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However, Mlotshwa denied any wrongdoing and said he was picked up by the two men while taking a shortcut towards Middelburg.
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