Mpande's - University of Zululand Institutional Repository

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overwhelmed by a large Zulu population, it had to be considered that to
hold out constant encouragement to the subjects of a kingdom, in which
every man was a warrior, to flee from his kingdom, was really to
encourage desertion'" This was likely to prove a source of perpetual
irritation to its ruler. Pine reminded his fellow British that by Zulu Law,
which out of their territories at all events they ought to recognise, all the
possessions, especially the cattle of every person, was considered as the
official property of the king" Thus, removing cattle out of the territories
of the king without his consent, was regarded in Zulu Law as theft.
Recognising that law, Pine's predecessors tried their best to return to
Mpande any cattle brought into Natal by refugees from the Zulu country.
However, limited means at their command prompted them to only
partially effect that object. 97 John Shepstone was not precluded from
permitting persons to enter Natal, provided they did not bring their cattle
with them. He only had twenty constables and a white Superintendent to
patrol the length ofthe Thukela."
While Mpande had ceased to violate Natal's borders and the threat of a
9'
96
97
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L. Young: "The Native Policy of Benjamin Pine in Natal, 1850-1855," Archives Year
Book for South Africa History, VoL n, 1951, pp. 326-9.
C.O. 179/6, P.R.O.: Pine to Smith, D, 34, Confidential, 27 November d1851, encL in
Smith to Grey, 16 December 1851.
L. Young: "The Native Policy ofBenjamin Pine in Natal, 1850-1855, "Archives Year
Book for South African History, VollJ., 1951, pp. 330-4.
SAAR N, J. W. Sbepstone to Acting Secretary to Government, borders ofthe Zulu
Country, 14 January 1853, n, pp 83-85.