The Gun Runners

As previously noted, the announcement of the Oswell-Livingstone expedition to Ngamiland, organised at the initiative of Dikgosi Letsholathebe and Sechele, resulted in an immediate upsurge in the traffic of guns into northern as well as eastern Botswana as scores of fortune seekers from the Cape Colony set out for the “elephant’s graveyard”.

Most were initially unaware of either the physical hardships of the trek or the ability of rulers like Letsholathebe, Sechele, and Sekgoma, joined from 1850 by the venerable Sebetwane, to regulate their movements. While a few of the more talented ones, generally experienced high volume traders such as David “Taute” Hume, prospered many others ended up little rewarded for their efforts.

Some perished of disease or thirst. Others badly miscalculated the bargaining prowess of the Dikgosi. By 1854 the Batawana at Toteng and Makololo at Linyati were charging a barrel containing 25 pounds of gunpowder, a gun, and quantities of cloth for one tusk. Those wishing to shorten their trip generally paid out more among the Bakwena at Kolobeng-Dimawe and Bangwato at Shoshong.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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