The inability of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR or Transvaal Republic) under President Francois Burgers to score a decided victory in the Sekhukhune War, presented the opportunity to the British to annex Transvaal in 1877. Soon afterwards, Britain declared war against King Sekhukhune, paramount chief of the Bapedi. After three unsuccessful attempts he was defeated by two British regiments under Sir Garnet Wolseley, assisted by 8 000 Swazis. About 1 000 Bapedi were killed, including Sekhukhune's heir, Morwamoche. Sekhukhune fled to the Mamatamageng cave where he was captured on 2 December 1879 and sent to prison in Pretoria. When the Transvaal again became independent after the Anglo-Boer War 1 in 1881, he was freed under article 23 of the Pretoria Convention signed between Britain and the Boers, and he was granted a location. Sekhukhune was murdered shortly afterwards on 13 August 1882 by his half-brother Mampuru.
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