HC Deb 15 October 1908 vol 194 cc464-5
MR. MACKARNESS (Berkshire, Newbury)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Zulu chief Mabeketshiya, a British subject, was recently, while unconvicted and awaiting trial in Natal, subjected to a flogging of twenty lashes for refusing to perform the hard labour usually imposed only upon convicted prisoners; and, if so, whether he can state what law of the Colony warrants such punishment of a British subject before trial, and by what tribunal the sentence was passed.

COLONEL SEELY

Yes, Sir, the punishment was inflicted under martial law, as stated at page 184 of Cd. 3998. Later information with regard to the case will be found in further correspondence which will shortly be laid before Parliament.

MR. MACKARNESS

Is martial law still in existence in Natal?

COLONEL SEELY

No, Sir.