Statement of Umgohlulu, a Native who escaped, with others, from engagement in Zululand, near Rorke's Drift.

"January 25, 1879

Charlie alias Umgohlulu, of the Chief Umkungu, headman of kraal Mehamula, was
with the native contingent at Rorke's Drift, under a white man who came from near
Richmond. Charlie was a driver, and was at the engagement in Zululand with the
wagons.

On Wednesday morning we (wagon drivers) had orders to inspan, after the scouts
had come in and reported that a large body of Zulus was coming. Just after we got
inspanned, a part of the large body came in sight, and the mounted contingent of Sikali's
tribe commenced an engagement with this first party.

Then another portion of this Zulu body came from another direction and began to
surround us.

Then some white men, who came from the Cape (Lonsdale's and Hhlube's people)
attacked this second portion.

Another large portion came between these two portions. The soldiers then fired at
them, and two cannon shots were sent amongst them ; three other cannon shots were
sent, which went over the Zulus. The mounted contingent of Sikali's drove back the
portion they were engaged with some little distance. The white men from the Cape
seemed to drive the ones they were engaged with also. A body of men then broke off
from these two portions, which were outside of us, and then we bolted, the drivers and
leaders, had no firearms or assegais to defend ourselves with.

Some of the drivers and leaders stayed behind with the wagons. We don't know
what happened after this. We left when the soldiers, the white men (Cape) and the
native contingent were all mixed up with the Zulus. As we ran away the Zulus fired
on us. After cooping the Buffalo River we looked round, but could see nothing but'
dust and smoke. Some of the Zulus followed us across the river, but could not
overtake us.

A good many who ran away with us got so exhausted that they fell down on the
road. We expect they must have been killed.

The Zulus were very close behind us. None but the drivers and leaders ran away.
There were 290 wagons. There were 1 1 of us come in. We have come to report,
and ask what we are to do. The engagement commenced a little after sunrise and
lasted till late in the afternoon.

All us drivers and leaders looked on for a long time in one spot at the engagement,
as we none of us had any arms or weapons to defend ourselves.

Colonel Durnford came up just before the engagement commenced, but after the Zulus
were first seen.

The people on our side in this engagement were all the infantry soldiers including the
band, a few of the mounted police, a few of the volunteers.

The Europeans who came from the Cape (Native Contingent) mounted men of Sikali's
tribe, mounted men of Hhlube, mounted men of Edendale (all) a few pioneers.

A few infantry, Native Contingent, who their commandant was we don't know. All
the other contingent and mounted soldiers, &c., had gone on the day before to fight
Matyana.

(Signed) Umgohlulu, his X mark.

The names of the other 10, who came down with Umgohlulu .

Umpande of the Chief Maneendeen, Alexandra county, headman of kraal Umyiba, a
driver driving Colonel Durnford's waggon.

Um Tobe of the chief Maneendese, Alexandra county, headman of kraal Nomawebu,
a driver.

Oamalalu of the chief Maneendese, headman of his own kraal, Alexandra county, a
driver.

Mango of the chief Maneendese, headman of kraal Umgebise, Alexandra county, a
leader.

Black of the chief Maneendese, headman of kraal Cabaujana, a leader.

N hhepeni of the Chief Saute, headman of kraal Tautat, Alexandra county, a leaden

Umhlmane of the Chief Saute, headman of kraal Tiygue, Alexandra county, a driver.

Kadupe of the Chief Umshiwa, Umlazi division, headman of kraal N Bengtma, a
leader.

Umzane of the Chief Umshiwe, Umlazi division, headman a kraal Umbaingane, a
driver.

Umtshateoi the Chief Umtengwane, headman of kraal Mohlatshaue, Alexandra county,
a leader.

ITingohlulu also states that a missionary overtook them yesterday, on the other side
of tbe Umgeui, and told us that Maty ana's people had been dispersed, and Ihat Ihe same
body that had attacked us had been cut to pieces by the army that left us and went to
fight Matyane.

The missionary was going to his own home, some mission station over the Umgeni,
We don't know his name. We don't know where he came from. He was coming from
the same direction as ourselves. We slept at his mission station last night. The
missionary said he had heard this, but we do not know from whom.

Umgohlulu, his X mark.
(Signed) A. Mesham,
Acting Secretary for Native Affairs"

Well Mesham certainly existed. One of Shepstones appointees around 1850ish. Really interesting LH.

Just re reading that LH I wonder if the name is a corruption of 'Umtegegolalo'.
Way back in 2013 there was a thread 'The Fate of Umtegegolalo, Sept 04th
At that time you popped up with a statement that seems to have a resonance with this one. Have a look see what you think !

Cheers

» The Native Hospital patient at Rorkes Drift.
» Statement by Captain Alan Gardner, 14th Hussars. Camp, Rorke's Drift, January 26, 1879.
» Natal Native Contingent at Rorke's Drift?