The Search for Cetshwayo

Posts : 29 Join date : 2013-03-18

Hello Everyone, Cetshwayo was moving from homestead to homestead to avoid patrols/capture and on 14 August three important chiefs Mnyamana, Ntshingwayo, and Sitshaluza came to Wolseley with a large number of cattle hoping to secure the king's safety and Wolseley refused to negotiate with them and they were detained.

"On 20 August Wolseley gave orders' to burn Kraals and carry off cattle where the King is known to be and to be concealed by the inhabitants'. His patrols began to torture Zulu they found in the vicinity of the homesteads in which they suspected the king was hiding. The chief Mbopha of Hlabisa a favorite of the royal house, was kicked to the ground and burnt with firebrands in an unsuccessful attempt to make him revel Cetshwayo's whereabouts." ( Jeff Guy "The Destruction of the Zulu Kingdom" page 62) "Systematic terrorism eventually reveled Cetshwayo's
hiding place" ( Guy page 63)

Along with his research Guy also cites "Wolseley's Journal" and C. Vijn "Cetshwayo's Dutchman"

I understand Wolseley was determined to find Cetshwayo, but I find it at odds with the gentleman ideals of Wolseley that he would have used these methods. The Zulu did not take many prisoners, but if Cetshwayo had ordered the "torture" of a British officer with the goal of finding General Wolseley I'm sure the British public and Europe would have been appalled and determined for justice. Wolseley's orders came after Ntshingwayo and the other chiefs came in good faith to try and reach compromise with Wolseley.

Would enjoy hearing what you think. Best, Mike

Posts : 1851 Join date : 2009-03-25

Most of the folkes back home disagreed with the Zulu War. The Goverment had to be very careful, in how they were going to be seen, when it came to the treatment of the Zulu King.

Posts : 29 Join date : 2013-03-18

Hello 24th, I knew the war had mixed views among the British public and was caught off guard when I had read about some of Wolseley's actions. It seems strange that he would have detained Ntshingwayo and others and I believe did not even meet with them. Talking with the chiefs could have lead to a meeting with Cetshwayo? As it turned out, on the Kings visit to London he was well recieved.