This chapter turns to the use of ad hominem legislation to authorise the detention in the Cape of Zulu political prisoners, removed from Natal. It examines the cases of the Hlubi chief Langalibalele and the Zulu kings Cetshwayo and Dinuzulu. Each attracted the support of the family of Bishop J. W. Colenso, who drew the attention of the public in Britain to their cases. Langalibalele was banished from Natal in 1874, after a ‘customary’ trial presided over by Governor Benjamin Pine for rebellion. Although the trial attracted much criticism from the Colonial Office for violating the rule of law, political sensibilities ensured that Langalibalele remained in detention. He was soon joined by Cetshwayo, who was initially held as a prisoner of war but then detained at the Cape under another special ordinance. His subsequent release owed more to his importance for the political settlement of Zululand than to concerns about the rule of law. However, concerns that the rule of law be seen to be upheld – and the experience of Langalibalele not be repeated – informed British attitudes towards the trial of Dinuzulu for rebellion in 1889, which ended in his exile to St Helena under sentence.

In 1877, the Transvaal was annexed by the British with the purpose of bringing confederation to South Africa. Influenced by Theophilus Shepstone, the Secretary for Native Affairs, Sir Henry Bartle Frere, the British Governor, came to believe that the Zulus posed the most obvious threat to the safe implementation of Confederation. Even before the ultimatum expired, British troops began to cross into territory claimed by the Zulu. Lord Chelmsford, the British commander, led the center column which reached the foot of a distinctive rocky outcrop known as iSandlwana on 20 January. A combination of faulty intelligence and his determination to engage the main force of the Zulu army before it could retreat led to Chelmsford’s decision to split his own force. Two days later, British forces left to guard the camp were overwhelmed by a spirited and experienced Zulu force. Chelmsford was forced to withdraw to safety. In March, having received reinforcements and eager to recover the initiative, Chelmsford renewed his offensive. Despite some setbacks, victories followed at Khambula and on 4 July, Cetshwayo’s royal homestead at oNdini (Ulundi), was raised to the ground. The victory was total.