DaoistnuoHBq

The reborn Prince Hechingen of the Swabian branch of the Hohenzollern family perceives the unfolding situation in Europe, where war is imminent. Europe cannot afford to delay. The strategy involves establishing a presence in East Africa, fostering immigration and development, and laying the foundations for agriculture. This gradual approach leverages the crisis to expedite the process of industrialization

African Entrepreneurship History

Chapter 331: Hard to Fly With Wings

A report reached the Chief of Staff, Witt, stating that 3,000 enemies had been killed, over 10,000 captured, and that they had seized 6,000 guns, including Lobengula himself. Lobengula had been severely injured but had survived.

Witt immediately ordered the organization of the corpses for cremation to prevent the spread of disease. Lobengula was brought before him, still weak from his injuries.

Witt inquired, "Are you the king of the Matabele Kingdom?"

Lobengula, lying on the stretcher, replied, "Yes, I am the 'King of Kings' of the Kingdom of Matabele," emphasizing his royal status.

Sitt questioned Lobengula about the rebellion, to which Lobengula retorted, "Rebellion? The Matabele Kingdom is originally two countries from East Africa, and we are just defending against invaders normally!"

Witt corrected Lobengula's version of history, explaining that the Ndebele people had invaded the Matabele Plateau from South Africa and enslaved the local Shona people.

Lobengula, undeterred, claimed that the local chiefs willingly accepted his rule, as he was chosen by the gods to fight against the "white skins."

Sitt then asked Lobengula about the source of his guns and gunpowder. Lobengula pointed the finger at Wiggins, blaming him for their predicament and urging his capture.

Witt ordered his subordinates to find Wiggins and the Boer advisory group. They had left an hour earlier on horseback and were pursued by East African scouts.

Wiggins and his group had managed to escape Bulawayo, heading westward. Wiggins was relieved to have eluded their pursuers, believing they wouldn't encounter the East African army in the vast Matabele Kingdom.

However, unbeknownst to them, a small East African patrol team, part of the Southwest Army, had been dispatched to investigate the unusual activity in the region. This patrol was not aware of the Ndebele rebellion and had no knowledge of Wiggins or his group.

The Southwest Army patrol spotted Wiggins and his party, and both sides became wary of each other. With seven patrol members and thirteen in Wiggins' group, they held the advantage in numbers.

Wiggins decided to attack first, hoping to eliminate the patrol. The patrol captain ordered his men to draw their sabers instead of using their guns, as they anticipated difficulty in accurate shooting on horseback.

The confrontation quickly escalated, but the East African patrol used their riding and saber skills effectively, gaining the upper hand. Wiggins was captured, and the rest of his Boer party were either killed or taken prisoner.

On May 28, 1871, Wiggins, the Boer criminal, was arrested, providing East Africa with concrete evidence of Boer support for the Ndebele rebellion.