The Battle At Mosite

We left off with Kgosi Montshiwa’s Barolong booRatshidi, along with a number of Bahurutshe refugees under Kgosi Lentswe, having relocated to Setlagole. From their new stronghold they joined the Bakwena and Bangwaketse in launching raids on Boer farms in the Transvaal.

In an attempt to regain the initiative, the supreme Transvaal Boer leader, Andries Pretorius, decided to personally lead a commando against Setlagole. He hoped that after he had crushed the Barolong, he would link up with what was left of Scholtz’s forces to finally impose a settlement on Dikgosi Sechele of Bakwena and Senthufe of Bangwaketse.

To accomplish his initial task, the Boer President called for a force of 1,000 Boers to come together at Mooiriver. But there he, joined by Commandant Schutte, was only able to raise about 400 men. Dissension in the Boer ranks prevented another 300 or so men under Commandant Schoeman from joining him. Still others elected to remain concentrated in various defensive laagers scattered across the western Transvaal.

Editor's Comment
Prosecutors deserve better

These legal professionals, who are entrusted with upholding the rule of law, face numerous challenges that compromise their ability to effectively carry out their duties.Elsewhere in this edition, we carry a story on the lamentations of the officers of court.The prosecutors have raised a number of concerns, calling for urgent attention from all relevant stakeholders, including the President, Minister of Justice and the Attorney General. Their...

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