h of
March, 1901, killed and murdered a native, a British subject.
4th Charge:--
_Murder_.
In that he, at Biscuitfontein, Bethulie, Orange River Colony, on or
about the 15th of August, 1901, killed and murdered Koos and
Willem, natives, British subjects.
5th Charge:--
_Destroying Railways_.
In that he, near Knutsford, Cradock, on or about the 27th of July,
1901, cut the railway line, thereby causing a portion of a
passenger train to be derailed.
To be tried by Military Court by order of General French.
The prisoner takes his stand at the place from which other
witnesses give their evidence:--
The prisoner, Pieter Hendrik Kritzinger, being duly sworn,
states:--
"My name is Pieter Hendrik Kritzinger. In the commencement of
September, 1900, I became a commandant of the Free State Forces. I
became Chief Commandant of the forces in the Cape Colony on the
11th of June, 1901. This would not give me a higher position in the
event of my returning to the Free State. Once over the border I
would hold the same position as any other commandant. I surrendered
on the 16th of December last. I attempted to cross the line at
Hanover Road and was wounded.
I know absolutely nothing of the death of Jafta and Solomon, I gave
no orders that they should be shot, nor any other natives. I
arrived at Voetpad on a Thursday, the 14th of February, 1901. I
camped there until the following day. Shortly before I left Voetpad
Captain Smit with his men came there from a farm in the vicinity.
The name of the farm is unknown to me. Captain Smit was not under
my command. He was acting independently. An advance guard is
generally sent out. On this occasion I sent Wessels and some men. I
do not know when Wessels left, I cannot remember. I went from
Voetpad to Poortje, the farm of Van der Merwe. I arrived there
about sundown on Friday the 15th. On my way from Voetpad I passed
over Boltman's place. I did not hear of any natives being shot
there. While on Voetpad I had no message from Wessels. I cannot
remember having spoken to any one in that strain regarding
Boltman's statements _re_ shooting natives. There was one Mijnhardt
in my commando, there were others amongst Smit's men, but I can't
call to mind of a Corporal Mijnhardt in my c
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