Sondeza Lugogo Mngomezulu, from the Ingwavuma district, Natal [now KwaZulu-Natal], was said to be one of the ringleaders of the unrest that broke out in this area.
Ntunja Mngomezulu was appointed Chief of the Mngomezulu community in the Ingwavuma District, Natal [now KwaZulu-Natal], after which unrest followed. An inquiry found that Ntunja was not the rightful heir. Ntunja fled to Swaziland and subsequently terrorized his former community from his base in Swaziland. There was an attack on the Chief which left him paralysed for life. No one was willing to testify against Ntunja Mngomezulu for fear of his or her life, which made legal action difficult. Additionally, the administration fell apart because no one was willing to fill the role of Acting Chief.
Sondeza Lugogo Mngomezulu allegedly attended meetings in Swaziland, acted as the official messenger of Ntunja Mngomezulu’s court, and was involved in stock thieving. He was arrested for attacking the Acting Chief.
On 19 August 1974, he was banished to Corridor Block, Port Shepstone District, Natal [now KwaZulu-Natal].
By 1979, Sondeza Lugogo Mngomezulu was believed to have escaped to Swaziland.
• Contribution by Professor S. Badat, Rhodes University, 2012. From the book, Forgotten People - Political Banishment under Apartheid by Professor S. Badat