African News.

Manawatu Herald, 31 March 1896, Page 2

African News.

News has just been received of a serious rising among the Matabele at Matoppo Hills, followed by the massacre of a number of whites, including Mr Bentley, the Native Commissioner.

A force of 100 Volunteers with Maxim guns has been despatched to the scene of the trouble. Whites from all parts of the country are flocking into Buluwayo for protection. The farm of Mr Selous, the wellknown explorer and hunter, which is in the disturbed district, was raided by the natives. The English settlements in Matabeleland are preparing for defence in the native rising which has oc. curred. Seven whites have been killed at Matoppo Hills, and four others are missing. The rest of the settlers took refuge in the laagers, and thuspre* served their lives. The rising wag caused by a witoh* doctor. A mountain patrol engaged the rebels near Buluwayo, the former losing seven men. Mr Selous is taking a strong force to punish the natives. Sir Hercules Robinson has gent reinforcements of police to Buluwayo. Mr Rhodes is hastening to Balu<> wayo. Several white settlers in the out* lying districts have been killed, and tha bodies fearfully mutilated. It is now stated that orders given for the eradication of the rinderpost excited the Matabele, and caused the rising. Native police induced the rising, and deserted with 700 rifles. Sinoe the outbreak Captain Spreckby and Mi* Selous have twice defeated the rebels with considerable 1098.