Amahlubi celebrate 141st anniversary
A tombstone was officially unveiled, relating the history as to how King Langalibalele was unfairly treated by the British government
About 2 500 people converged at Giants Castle (eMahlutshini) to commemorate the 141st anniversary of their King Langalibalele 1.
The ceremony took place last Saturday with people coming from all over South Africa and Lesotho.
A tombstone was officially unveiled, relating the history as to how King Langalibalele was unfairly treated by the British government.
The trial of Langalibalele started on January 16, 1874 and was described as a “disgrace to British justice”.
Langalibalele was tried under native law with Pine and Shepstone, the chief accusers, presiding over the court without the assistance of a Supreme Court judge.
Langalibalele was denied the right to have a counsel until the third day of the trial.
The counsel was not permitted to interview the prisoner nor was he permitted to cross-examine the witnesses.
Langalibalele was sentenced to life imprisonment and as the Colony of Natal had no suitable place of detention, the neighbouring Cape Colony to the west was prevailed upon to make Robben Island available for Langalibalele’s imprisonment.
This gathering was attended by Amakhosi from the Xhosas, Ndebeles, Basothos, whites, Indians including Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi of the Zulu Kingdom.
