Autshumato banished to Robben Island

Autshumato had long acted as an interpreter and cattle-trade intermediary at Table Bay, but his relationship with the VOC was repeatedly strained. Company officials had accused him in 1653 of taking VOC cattle and involvement in the death of a Dutch herder. He was nevertheless released and restored as an interpreter, showing the Company's continuing dependence on his skills and connections.

In 1658, several enslaved people escaped from the VOC settlement. Van Riebeeck detained Autshumato as a hostage, expecting his followers to secure his release by pursuing and returning them. When this did not happen, Autshumato and two companions were transferred to Robben Island. The confinement therefore did not follow a finding that he had assisted the escapees or committed a new offence.

Autshumato escaped from the island in a small boat in 1659 and returned to the mainland. His later involvement in negotiations demonstrates that relations between local leaders and the VOC could alternate between conflict, dependence and diplomacy.

Significance

The event should not be confused with the earlier accusations against Autshumato. In 1658 the VOC used custody of a local leader to pressure his community into recovering escaped enslaved people. His subsequent escape and reappointment also demonstrate that relations between the parties combined coercion, conflict and practical dependence.