and decided aversion to combat are considered as unexampled cowardice by the neighbouring tribes, and this is the reason for their contemptuous treatment of their unfortunate neighbours. If, for example, the Matabele--as they are wont to do—or some other tribe, make a predatory visit to this country, the Manansa would retreat as speedily as posible, and if flight were in vain, they would not stand up in defence of their rights, but, without further resistance, deliver all their property to their enemies, and declare themselves their most obedient and devoted subjects. When Sekhomo’s or Masheng’s people were their aggressors, in former times, they would content themselves with receiving a tribute of ivory; if Moselikatze’s warriors, they chiefly aimed at making boys their captives; whilst La Bengola’s subjects (Matabele) grasp at everything in their way, if they are not sent to accompany a white man by their King, as in the case of Major S, in ’75, when La Bengola gave strict orders not to molest the Manansa, for fear of bringing too much displeasure on himself. When such a command has not been given, the Manansa are maltreated in every possible manner, and even white hunters, hunting in the hilly country surrounding the Falls, are subject to the insolence of the roving Matabele. Once, when I met one of these predatory troupes, they openly declared they would kill all my servants if I would not give them something in exchange for the life of each boy. If a Manansa happens to see any Matabele approaching from a distance when on a hunting excursion, or otherwise employed, he leaves everything hehind him, and immediately makes his escape. When I once questioned a Manansa about the cowardice of his tribe, he answered, with a good-natured smile, “Yes, you see, Nage, we give in when the Matabele or Sepopo’s subjects want to kill us; we put our assegais and battle-axes aside and say, ‘We acknowledge that you are stronger and more powerful, and therefore we, the weaker ones, will not raise our weapons against you. There are our goats, in yonder vessels our corn, if you wish for them. Our wives will prepare butshuala (beer) if you thirst for it. If you want to know where the elephant and buffalo quench their thirst, we will show you, for we do not love to see the blood of others flow.’”
The Manansa formerly lived under the command of a King, whom they called the “Great Chief.” When the Matabele first made their appearance in this country, this “Great Chief” was their first victim. They would not believe his friendly words, but considered them hypocritical, and thought it was but a deceitful snare into which he was trying to lure them.
Without much ceremony, the poor man was thrown to the ground, his body cut open with assegais, and his heart torn out,
