Weenen massacre of Voortrekkers by Zulu impis (1838)

On 17 February 1838, Zulu impis attacked Voortrekkers, Khoikhoi, and Basuto camps near Weenen in KwaZulu-Natal. This massacre followed the killing of Piet Retief's delegation by King Dingane. Approximately 532 people were killed at sites including Doringkop and Bloukrans River, prompting the town's name 'Weenen' (wept).

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. King Dingane signed a deed of land cession to Voortrekkers in November 1837 after they recovered stolen cattle. On 6 February 1838, following two days of feasting, Dingane had Piet Retief and his diplomatic party killed. Dingane's forces also attacked Retief's undefended trek party, killing about 500 Boers and native servants, and the impis then struck the remaining Voortrekker camps on 17 February 1838.

Casualties. Among the Voortrekkers, 41 men, 56 women, and 185 children were killed. Additionally, 250 or 252 Khoikhoi and Basuto who accompanied the Voortrekkers were killed, bringing total casualties to 532–534. Andries Pretorius later noted specific losses at Blaauwekrans, including 33 men, 75 women, and 123 children, implying 231 deaths at that camp.

People involved

Sources

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