Gun War - Peace Preservation Act




In 1878, the Cape Parliament had passed the Peace Preservation Act, which allowed for the confiscation of the firearms of the African population in exchange for a monetary compensation.

Many had worked in railway construction and the diamond mines in Griqualand West with the express purpose of purchasing modern breech-loading and smoothbore rifles. As a result, the Basuto became the best-armed tribe in southern Africa.

The Peace Preservation Act divided & united Africans irrespective of ethnicity but rather on standing.






Those who trusted the colonialists agenda were called Loyalists - "Matikete" which comes from "ticket" compensation from weapon confiscation.

Those who denied the Peace Preservation Act were call the Rebels/Wild ones - "Mabelete". Few Basuto complied with the order and handed over their arms.




The heir to the Basuto throne, Lerothodi, spoke against disarmament, while Letsie's brother chief Masopha and his nephew chief Joel Molapo openly challenged the order and advocated for armed resistance. Masopha began to fortify the stronghold of Thaba Boisu, while the supporters of the rebel chiefs began ignoring orders from the local magistrates.


The Basuto Gun War - Basutoland Rebellion, was a conflict 13 September 1880 to 29 April 1881.

Video: Basotho & AmaXhosa Rebellion

Next: Gun War - September 1880

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