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Frequently overshadowed by his more famous brother Shaka, Dingane Zulu is often blamed for the decline and fall of the Zulu nation.
Dingane came to power in 1828, when he and Mhlangana assassinated their half-brother Shaka. For many years after this slaying, Dingane was a fair and popular king. He was friendly to visitors from overseas, even welcoming Christian missionaries.
In 1838, Dingane agreed to a request for land from about 600 Dutch Voortrekkers on condition that they recover some of his stolen cattle, which they did. Celebrations were held at Dingane’s kraal.
But, during the climax of a war dance, Dingane leapt to his feet and yelled: “Kill the wizards!” Members of the Voortrekkers’ diplomatic party, including their leader Piet Retief, were bludgeoned to death. The Zulus then murdered 500 women and children in the Voortrekker camp.
Dingane ordered his impis (soldiers) to fan out across the land and kill any Voortrekkers they came across, but the Zulus were dealt a crushing defeat at the Battle of Blood River.
The new leader of the Voortrekkers, Andries Pretorius, then joined forces with Dingane’s brother, Mpande, and helped overthrow the Zulu king.
Dingane fled to Swaziland, where he was later killed by his own people.
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