YOU (South Africa)

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

22 SEPTEMBER 1828 – SHAKA ZULU MURDERED

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On this day Shaka Zulu, leader of the Zulu Kingdom in southern Africa, was killed in cold blood by his half-brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana.

Shaka became chief of the Zulus in 1816.

He was known for forming a strong fighting force that used assegais – long-bladed, deadly spears – in battles. Through his mighty army, Shaka conquered various tribes and had control of the area we know today as KwaZulu-Natal. However, after his mother, Nandi, passed away in 1827, the people closest to him saw his mental health decline. In his sadness and grief, Shaka ordered that none of his people plant crops and no one use milk for a year. He also ordered the killings of many of his people. One of the final decisions he’d made included ordering his army to head out on a new mission, immediatel­y after returning from a previous battle. It was the last straw for lower-ranked chiefs and advisers who’d believed he’d lost his mind. They then conspired to kill him. Following Shaka's death, Dingane became king of the Zulus.

 ?? ?? A statue of Shaka in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal.
A statue of Shaka in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal.

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