S.J.P. Kruger in the Dock, 1872

Abstract

The intense opposition to S.J.P. Kruger, in later years the Transvaal State President, during the late 1860s and early 1870s is largely unknown to most historians. In the course of the judicial inquiry that took place in 1872 into the allegations against him, important information on this well-known personality's character, points of view, extensive farming activities, and relations with African communities was revealed. In this article the criticism of Kruger is carefully analysed against relevant information and in a wider context. Kruger was accused, inter alia, of the possession of land that had been awarded to the Bafokeng in the early days of white settlement in the Transvaal. It was alleged that his style of administration as Commandant-General intimidated African communities, and that he had benefited personally from the execution of his duties. The Volksraad and Executive Council eventually referred this matter to the State Attorney, who instituted a preliminary judicial inquiry in October 1872. Kruger took this opportunity to clear his name by cross-examining witnesses and by responding in detail to accusations. The State Attorney eventually rejected the accusations as being without foundation. The less attractive traits of Kruger's personality that emerged in this period and that were also present in the latter part of his career were, however, rendered insignificant in comparison with his positive characteristics.