The Second Khoikhoi-Dutch War (1673–1677)

The Second Khoikhoi-Dutch War, also known as the Cochoqua War, was a prolonged conflict between the Dutch East India Company (VOC) settlers at the Cape and the Cochoqua clan under Chief Gonnema (referred to by the Dutch as the Black Captain). Spanning from 1673 to 1677, it involved raids, punitive expeditions, and cattle seizures, arising from Dutch territorial expansion and disputes over trade. In contrast to the first war, the Dutch formed alliances with rival Khoikhoi clans, such as the Chainouqua under Klaas, employing a strategy that divided Khoikhoi groups and ultimately expanded colonial control. Although the VOC preferred to avoid costly large-scale conflicts, a series of incidents drew them into the engagement. [1]

Causes of the Conflict

The conflict originated from persistent tensions between the growing Dutch settlement and the pastoral Khoikhoi clans. The Cochoqua, a semi-nomadic group led by Gonnema, often moved through the Cape peninsula, leading to friction with frontier farmers over resource use. In 1670, their presence near Wynberg prompted settlers to abandon homes, which were subsequently entered. The following year, warfare between the Cochoqua and Chainouqua clans severely impacted Gonnema's group, intensifying inter-clan rivalries. [1]

The Dutch extended preferential trade terms to certain clans, including the Chainouqua under Captain Klaas, who became an ally and was granted symbols of authority such as brass-headed staffs. This selective treatment contributed to resentment from Gonnema's clan. In 1672, VOC expeditions sought additional Khoikhoi groups for livestock trade to support passing ships, further straining relations. That November, three VOC hunters were ambushed and robbed by Gonnema's followers near Riebeek's Kasteel. Escalating incidents included the capture of five Cochoqua individuals for sheep theft in 1672, who were flogged, branded, and exiled to Robben Island despite ransom offers. Later that year, Gonnema's group seized a burghers' wagon and provisions along the Berg River, citing grievances over the depletion of game in their territory, while the Dutch interpreted it as hostility toward the Company. [1]

Outbreak and Escalation

Hostilities began in June 1673 when eight burghers and a slave, hunting large game beyond the Twenty-four Rivers, were detained and killed by Gonnema's people at a location later named Moord Kuil. Rumors reached the fort on July 11, leading to a relief expedition commanded by Ensign Hieronymus Cruse, consisting of 36 freemen and 36 soldiers. Along the way, they discovered another incident: on July 6, Gonnema's followers, led by petty captain Kees, had plundered the Company's post at Saldanha Bay, killing four settlers. The attackers had posed as traders to gain access, demonstrating Khoikhoi use of deception in their strategies. [1]

Bolstered by 18 horsemen, the commando crossed the Berg River and, on July 18, detected smoke from a kraal. They launched a dawn attack but found it deserted, recovering items from the murdered burghers. In pursuit, they captured 800 horned cattle and 900 sheep, resulting in 10-12 Khoikhoi deaths, with Dutch losses limited to one wounded burgher and two horses. The captured livestock was presented to Governor Isbrand Goske on July 25. [1] Allied captains Klaas, Schacher, and Kuiper provided assistance against Gonnema. On August 20, they delivered four prisoners, who were tried and executed by the allied Khoikhoi according to their customs in front of the fort. The conflict spread northeast, involving other groups such as the Hessequa, Quana, and Gouriqua, as Dutch forces advanced into new areas and asserted claims over land through conquest. [1]

Dutch Defenses and Khoikhoi Resistance

The war persisted as a form of guerrilla warfare. Agricultural activities at Hottentots Holland continued under a 22-man guard, while lookouts on Lion's Head monitored for ships. A disease outbreak among the Khoikhoi allied with Klaas paused hostilities in late 1674. [1]

On March 24, 1675, Klaas reported the end of the illness, and spies located Gonnema at the Little Berg River. A substantial commando—50 burghers under Wouter Mostert, 50 soldiers under Cruse, and 400 Khoikhoi under allied captains—advanced via Klapmuts and Paarl Valley. They encircled the encampment but found it vacated, seizing 800 cattle and 4,000 sheep, burning huts, and distributing spoils (burghers received 390 cattle; allies shared the remainder). Khoikhoi strategies focused on evasion into mountainous terrain and ambushes, utilizing their mobility against Dutch firearms and cavalry. [1]

In November 1675, Gonnema raided the kraals of Schacher and Kuiper at Tigerberg, killing several individuals and taking cattle. Pursuing forces captured and killed 15 stragglers, though Gonnema evaded capture. Six months later, in mid-1676, petty captain Jacob located Gonnema in the Sugarbergen through reconnaissance. A commando advanced but could not surprise him, instead targeting Kees at Saldanha Bay, where they killed followers and seized 165 cattle and 30 sheep. [1]

Peace and Negotiations

By 1677, after four years of disruption, Kuiper and allies conveyed messages from Gonnema's low-ranking envoys seeking peace on June 8. The council consented, granting safe conduct for three months provided a proper delegation appeared. [1]

On June 24, the messengers returned with nine cattle and envoys Nengue, Harru, and Nuguma. In the council chamber, a treaty was concluded: mutual forgiveness of past actions; an annual tribute of 30 cattle from the Cochoqua; the Cochoqua to handle internal punishments similarly to the Dutch; no attacks on Dutch allies without prior notice; and inclusion of Kuiper, Schacher, Kees, and their subjects. The tribute supported VOC fleets. Gifts were exchanged, reestablishing peace. Subsequently, the Dutch imposed strict regulations on trade with Khoikhoi, designating firearm sales as a capital offense. [1]