Following the Battle of Ulundi (oNdini) on 4 July 1879, the ability of the Zulu army to challenge the British was effectively broken. The Zulu king, Cetshwayo, had retired from the battle before its conclusion and headed north with his personal attendants, making his way to territory controlled by his councilor Mnyamana Buthelezi. As his amabutho dispersed back to their homes, Cetshwayo made overtures to the British for a negotiated surrender.
Wolseley was convinced that the Zulu must be completely subjugated and reorganized the British forces into two new columns, one under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Baker Russell, sent to Khambulu and the other, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Clark accompanied Wolseley, to oNdini where they made camp on 10 August.
Wolseley ordered all izinDuna and iziKhulu who had not already surrendered to come to oNdini to formally yield to British authority. He also ordered search parties out to capture King Cetshwayo.
Patrols went out into the bush country around the Black Mfolozi river, and despite Zulu homesteaders giving him protection, Cetshwayo was captured on 28 August 1897 at the kwaDwasa homestead in the Ngome forest by Major Richard Marter and his Dragoons.
The British deposed King Cetshwayo, escorted him to the coast and then shipped him to Cape Town on 15 September. In 1882 Cetshwayo was permitted to travel to England for audience with Queen Victoria - he petitioned for his return to Zululand as ruler. He was a hit amongst London society and became a favorite of the public.
Comments