Battle of Bembezi


Battle

The Battle of Bembezi took place on 1 November 1893. This was the most decisive battle won by the British South Africa Company in the First Matabele War of 1893.
The British South Africa Company went over to Ndebele positions and were almost ambushed, yet due to command issues they went another way with Ndebele spearman waiting for them. Though thoroughly outnumbered,, the BSAC Maxim guns proved superior to Ndebele numbers. After heavy losses, the Ndebele began retreat. Roughly 2,500 Ndebele were killed by the time the gunfire was over.
After the stunning defeat, King Lobengula fled the battle; the end of the First Matabele War was near.

Music

A song written by John Edmond in 1979 explained the course of the battle and the events that took place during the battle. This song was titled Battle of Bembezi.