Charge of Murder.

Thames Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9878, 25 February 1901, Page 2

Charge of Murder.

COLONIAL OFFICER ACQUITTED.

LONDON, February 23.

In the House of Commons the Hon. J. Chamberlain in. reply- to a question said the Attorney-General ' of-.Cape Colony, after a careful consideration, -had decided not to prosecute Capt. Cox, of the New South Wales Lancers, for ordering the shooting of a native at Colesburg in November,-1899.

(The event referred in our- cables occurred near Arundel, about 12 miles, south olf Colsburg. The New South Wales Lancet's and the New Zealanders'wereat that time attached to General French's Cavalry Brigade. Captain Cox was dispatched by Major Lee, of Sydney, to work a patrol party up to 1 some kopjes on the left of the main camp. The Boers endeavoured to ambush the Lancers, but timely warning was given, and the attempt failed. Some of the horses and saddles were missing, and Captain Cox decided 'to commamdeer animals and equipment from'a farm so as to enable all his men to mount and escape. He ordered some Kaffirs to assist and one native intentionally delayed operations. It was a dangerous- position, and prompt and harsh measures had to be taken. The native was shot for placing obstacles in the way of the escape of the colonials. This had the effect of accelerating the actions of the other Kaffirs, and just as the Boers attempted to surround the party Captain Cox and his men mounted and managed 'to escape unhurt.) '•