DC35/NAMM/0040

Malebogo became chief in 1880. He saw the Transvaal Boers as intruders who were trying to change his way of life and refused to have his territory demarcated in 1888; nor would he have his huts recorded for tax purposes in 1891. Ignoring instructions to leave his mountain fortress, he prepared for war. On 27 April 1894 and again on 7th May, officials of the Transvaal Republic sent ultimatums to him, but Malebogo ignored them. A burgher commando with the State Artillery of the Transvaal Republic under Commandant General Piet Joubert besieged his fortress from the first half of June to the end of July 1894. During this time, the Boers tried to burn down the trees using paraffin sprays and they tried to dynamite the caves in the mountain. Though this terrified the people, it did not put an end to the fighting. Wishing to save his people, on 31st July, the chief surrendered, and, not wanting to be imprisoned, he twice attempted suicide by jumping into a fire, but each time he was saved.