Battle of Vegkop

Battle of Vegkop
Part of the Great Trek
Date16 October 1836
Location
Result Voortrekker victory, but loss of Voortrekker livestock
Belligerents
Voortrekkers Matabele
Commanders and leaders
Andries Potgieter King Mzilikazi
Strength
35 mounted infantry[1] about 4,000[1] - 5,000 spearmen
Casualties and losses
2 dead[1] 400-500[1] dead


The Battle of Vegkop, alternatively spelled as Vechtkop, took place on 16 October 1836 near the present day town of Heilbron, Free State, South Africa. After an impi of about 600 Matebele murdered 15 to 17 Afrikaner voortrekkers on the Vaal River, abducting three children, King Mzilikazi (c. 1790 – 9 September 1868; also known as Mzilikazi, Oemsiligasi or Moselekatse; Afrikaans: Silkaats) ordered another attack. The Voortrekkers, under the command of Andries Potgieter, repulsed them, but at the cost of abandoning their livestock.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d e Knight 1998, p. 8