Accused No. 6 Zuko Zabendlina

Zuko Zabendlina 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 protests in Paballelo, Upington. Born in Kleinbroek, Zabendlina suffered a childhood injury that left one leg shorter than the other, causing him to limp.

Raised by a father struggling with alcoholism after his parents separated, Zabendlina left school early due to financial difficulties and began working in Upington, first as a petrol pump attendant. At the time of his arrest, he worked for the United Building Society and had a child whom he regularly supported.

The court found Zabendlina guilty of murder under the “common purpose” law for his participation in stoning Sethwala’s house. Sentenced to death in 1989, his sentence was later overturned. His story highlights the intersection of socio-economic hardship, political activism, and systemic repression faced by Black South Africans under apartheid.