#CoffinAssault Molokoane: Placing someone in a coffin deprives them of the right to dignity. — Nickolaus Bauer (@NickolausBauer) December 2, 2016

For the first time Oosthuizen and Jackson have put on the record allegations that Mlotshwa wasn’t simply walking through their place of work when they forced him into a coffin and filmed the incident.

During cross examination of investigating officer Dimakatso Bahula, the men claim they were enraged after finding the victim with the cables.

“I would like to suggest to you madame that the co-accused wanted to arrest Mr Rethabile because of this,” said Defence Counsel, Jean Welch.

In almost identical affidavits, the two men allege Mlotshwa’s actions provoked them.

“Both of us asked him to get into the coffin, he was never forced. I’ve never been involved in any violent conduct, I do not have a disposition to violence. However, the behaviour and the attitude of the victim that gave rise to this incident - albeit no excuse - caused me to lose my cool," said Welch.

The men claim they didn’t want to report the alleged theft to police as Mlotshwa had threatened their families.

The question of bail was again opposed by the state and an SMS that has been circulated among local farmers, threatening farm attacks if the duo are released, was submitted into evidence, which the defence opposed.

“Your worship, with respect, the accused are as safe or unsafe in prison as they are outside of prison," said Welch.