Accused No.20 Xolile Yona

Xolile Yona was one of the “Upington 14,” anti-apartheid activists tried under the apartheid-era “common purpose” law following the 1985 killing of municipal policeman Lucas Sethwala during toyi-toyi protests in Paballelo, Upington. Born into a very poor family as the youngest of six children, Xolile experienced a disrupted education, moving between family homes and repeating early school grades.

He became involved in boxing as a means of earning income and was an active member of the Upington Youth Movement, serving on its disciplinary committee. During the trial, Xolile reported suffering from headaches that caused aggression, but medical tests confirmed he was fit to stand trial.

The court found that Xolile participated in the attack on Sethwala following the initial assault by Justice “Basie” Bekebeke and returned from the scene chanting, “Hey, hey, the dog is dead.” His case reflects the socio-economic pressures, youth activism, and systemic repression faced by Black South Africans under apartheid, as well as the intense involvement of young people in toyi-toyi protests and political resistance.