Note 105 — Chapter XI · SIHAYO, UMBILINI, AND THE MISSIONARIES IN ZULULAND.
Reading edition
Story of Maqamsela, from The Natal Colonist of May 4th, 1877: “Another case referred to in our previous article was that of a man named Maqamsela, particulars of which, derived from eye-witnesses, we have received from different sources. On Friday, March 9th, he attended morning service at Etshowe mission station as usual, went home to his kraal, and at noon started to go over to the kraal of Minyegana, but was seized on the road and killed because he was a Christian!
“For many years he had wished to become a Christian, and this at his own desire was reported to Gaozi, his immediate chief, who scolded him, saying, ‘it would occasion him (Gaozi) trouble.’ The earnest and repeated solicitation of Maqamsela was that the missionary (Mr. Oftebro) would take him to the king to obtain his permission to profess Christianity. Last winter the missionary consented to mention it to the king; but, failing to see Gaozi first, deemed it imprudent to do so at that time. Maqamsela was greatly grieved at this, saying, ‘I am not afraid of death; it will be well if I am killed for being a Christian.’ When an opportunity occurred of speaking to Gaozi about Maqamsela’s wish to be baptized, he would give no direct answer, but complained of his bad conduct. Maqamsela, however, persisted in his entreaties that his case should be reported to the king. ‘If they kill me because I believe, they may do so; the Lord will receive me. Has not Christ died for me? Why should I fear?’ A favourable opportunity of naming the matter to the king presented itself some time after. Cetshwayo appeared very friendly, and proposed that the Christians should pay a tax, but said that their service should be building houses for him when called; otherwise they might remain in peace. Maqamsela was then mentioned as being desirous to become a Christian. He was an old man, who could not leave his kraal, and could not come up to serve. He had therefore been eaten up, and had not now a single head of cattle. On his name being mentioned, the king replied that he would say nothing, Gaozi, Minyegana, and Xubane not being there. Maqamsela was glad when he heard what had been done, and said, ‘If they kill me now, it is all right.’
“A week later his time came. An induna, named Jubane, sent for him, and on his return from Jubane’s, an impi came to him, saying they had orders to kill him. He asked for what reason, and being told it was because he was a Christian and for nothing else, he said again, ‘Well, I rejoice to die for the word of the Lord.’ He begged leave to kneel down and pray, which he was allowed to do. After praying, he said, ‘Kill me now.’ They had never seen any man act in this manner before, when about to be killed, and seemed afraid to touch him. After a long pause, however, a young lad took a gun and shot him, and they all ran away.”