Battle of Maqongqo

Battle of Maqongqo
Part of the Zulu Civil War and the Great Trek

A Zulu warrior contemporary with the battle
Date29 January 1840
Location
Result Decisive Mpande and Voortrekker victory
Belligerents
Mpande faction
 Natalia Republic
Dingane faction (Zulu Kingdom)
Commanders and leaders
Nongalaza KaNondela
Natalia Republic Andries Pretorius
Ndlela kaSompisi
Strength
5,000 5,000
Casualties and losses
unknown unknown

The Battle of Maqongqo was fought on 29 January 1840 during the First Zulu Civil War. Due to military defeats, the Zulu king Dingane had lost the respect of a significant portion of the Zulu people. His brother Mpande sought to separate his followers from Dingane and drew support from an alliance with Boer settlers led by Andries Pretorius.

Dingane agitated for Zulu unity, and Mpande attacked Dingane's compound resulting in the battle of 29 January 1840. Mpande and his supporters were victorious. Shortly thereafter Dingane was murdered and Mpande became king of the Zulus.