Charlie Mlaba supported Mzwangedwa Mlaba’s campaign to be the chief of his community, in the Camperdown District, Natal [now KwaZulu-Natal], but the community voted for another chief. This led to a dispute in the community and there were several outbreaks of violence over this issue. It was decided that he, Mzwangedwa Mlaba, Mpiyeza Mlaba and another be banished to restore peace in the area.
Mlaba, formerly resident in the Camperdown District was banished to Mahlabatini, northern Natal on 7 November 1953.
The four banished persons appealed against their banishment orders and as the High Court was said to be considering the validity of their banishments, new banishment orders were issued on the grounds that their return would lead to bloodshed.
Charlie Mlaba died on 14 November 1958.