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Southland Times, Issue 15197, 29 March 1902, Page 2

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THE OFFICERS SHOT BRANDED COMMON THIEVES AND MURDERERS FOR PILLAGE 179 BOERS CAPTURED IN (HE LAST DRIVE MOVEMENTS OF THE BOER DELEGATES London, March 28. Received 29th, 12.40 a.m. j The Morning Leader publishes a civilian's letter, written in Pretoria on ' February 27th, stating that Lieut. Hancock and Major Morant were courfc-marfcialled and shot for killing , some non-combatant Dutchmen near Pietersburg in order to secure their money. The writer suggests that these men made a " pile " from farm-; houses and prisoners before descending to the final deed. The Daily Mail says the Australians who were courtmartialled commanded the j Bushveldt Carbineers, a mixed scally- j wag body, recruited in South Africa and the colonies. It adds that it was an atrocious murder after looting surrendered Dutchmen and natives, and required, for the credit of Britain, exemplary punishment. Received 29th, 1.30 a.m. The total capture in tbe receat sweep was 179. Delarey still has four guns, but two are useless. Schalk Burger and party reached Kroonstad on the 23rd. One delegate was blindfolded on the 24th and escorted through the lines under the white flag to meet Steyn. The rest of the party lived at the station, but afterwards removed to a private house, where they are awaiting the delegates' return