CAFE NEWS. PLOT IN SWAZILAND. PRIME MINISTER AND OTHER OFFICIALS EXECUTED.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 335, 19 January 1889, Page 5

CAFE NEWS. PLOT IN SWAZILAND. PRIME MINISTER AND OTHER OFFICIALS EXECUTED.

The " Komatie Observer," of December 10 publishes the following particulars of the killing of the Prime Minister of Swaziland and two other high indunas by Umbandine. It appears that at the end of tho previous week information was brought to the King that a plot waa almost ripe to pub him oflf the throne, and to substitute Umgopola, the King's brother, and son-in-law of Gaudhlan, the Prime Minister. The latfce , with Gwabaka and Pulla, along with Umgopola, were the chief conspirators in the aflair. On Saturday last the four principals were sent for by the King, and all answered to the summons, with the exception of Umgopola, who, suspecting trouble, cleared bhab night, and unltimately escaped into the Transvaal. On Sunday morning the three others were brought to trial in front of Umbandine and the indunas, and being condemned to death, were straightway taken to execution at the koppie near to the King's kraal and killed. There was some excitement when the news of Sandhlan's death was made known, but all is now quiet again. Sandhlan was over 80 years of age, and had seen 70 years' service with three Swazi kings. Mr Shepstone was down at the Zulu border when the tragedy occurred. It is rumoured, although thero is no confirmation, that two of Umbandine's brothers have also been killed in connection with the plot. The Inhlavela have been scouring Forbes's concession in .search of Umgopola, who, however, is evidently in Hie Tran&vaal. The sudden judgment which has overtaken tho conspirators has paralysed the Swazia, who arc quiet, and cay nothing cither for or against the King's action.