Page "History of Swaziland" Paragraph 10

The British had their own concerns about Swaziland.

They suspected that supplies from Mozambique could be smuggled to the Boers through Swaziland.

Queen-regent Labotsibeni was however attempting to maintain neutrality in the wider conflict, pre-occupied with securing the throne.

Her grandson Sobhuza II of Swaziland was underage and there were other viable candidates for the throne among the House of Dlamini.

In particular, Prince Masumphe.

Masumphe was a cousin of Bhunu and a rival candidate for the throne since 1889.

His line of the family maintained close relations with the Boers, the Prince himself educated at Pretoria.

By May, 1900, the Queen was worried that the Boers would intervene against her in case of a succession dispute.

She opened communications with the restored magistrate of Ingwavuma, arranging to flee to his area if needed.