CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. [From the Cape Monitor, Jan. 3.]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VIII, 12 May 1852, Page 2

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. [From the Cape Monitor, Jan. 3.]

The Murder of Stephanus Potgieter bit Kafirs — On Friday evening last, J.Barkhuizen, in company with his son and deceased, ascended the Swartkops Hills in search of cattle. They slept in the field, and about daylight on Saturday morning they reached the top of one of the highest hills above Mr. A. Lange's farm. The farmers found a quantity of fresh meat, blankets, assagais, and a skin cap. The place appeared as if Kafirs had just left it on their approach. Young Potgieter then climbed round below the krantz — the two others above. In a few minutes afterwards young • Potgieter fell, shot through the head, and John Barkhuizen narrowly escaped a well directed bullet, which struck the jutting<point of rock one-fourth of aa , inch in width and glanced- off. The ball would otherwise have "hit- him just between the eyes. Had he fallen, his son would also have perished, and perhaps the three never heard of afterwards, as the murder occurred in a-desolate out of the . way place. One of the Kafirs called out in Dutch, " hold up your head, and see whether I can hit you." Two Kafirs then rushed down the ravine, but swifter than the leaden-messen-ger from the trusty double-barrelled gun of the honest boer. Blood appeared to flow from the • side of one as he entered the thick copse, i • Barkhuizen not knowing how many Kafirs might be concealed amongst the bushes, and , not daring to show himself from his place of , concealment, called out to his son to run Tiorae for help. About twelve the Civil Commissioner of Uitenhage was applied to for assistance torescue Barkhuizen from five Kafirs, who had been in a regular 'fix' among the rocks. There were many volunteers, but no horses to mount. Mr. Wylde, Clerk of the Peace, Colonel Armstrong, and Dr. Hull, with the two Cadles, the latter both sturdy old hands at border warfare, - started at — . After a ride of twelve miles along the edge of the mountain, they discovered the - place by the spoor. The body of the deceased was dragged up from the ravine, and examined by the doctor. The back of the head was found to be shattered, and the brains protruding. The gun of the unfortunate man appeared to have missed fire, and he may have thus fallen a victim to the fatal shot of the savage. Search

was made, but the wounded Kafir could not be found. He was recognised by Barkhuisen as a Kafir called "Kal Kop," often seen at Mr. Alwyn Lange's farm. Two of Uralangeni's charmed sticks were foun i in the bag, also bradawls, veldtschoons, a*id knives and forks. On the west and east of the highest peak were two large fireplaces, and on the hill signal fires have often been noticed. The instant shots were fired, Barkhuizen observed a large column of smoke to issue from the Kafir huts on Mr. Lange's farm. [Since the above was received, we learn that Messrs. Barkhuizen and Field-cornet Fletcher fell in with two Kafirs a short distance from Eland's river. One of the Kafirs was in the act of aiming when Mr. Barkhuizen fired, aud lodged a charge of loopers in the back of the Kafir. The other Kafir then surrendered. These Kafirs are supposed to be the murderers of poor Potgieter,] The Friend of the Sovereignty states that Colonel Fordyce, in his will, bequeathed a pension to the widow of every soldier who should fall under his command : a shilling each per day to all disabled soldiers of his corps ; and left the means of purchasing commissions for his five most deserving' Serjeants.