Another central reason for the trek was the grave insecurity on the frontier. In Tarka and other parts of the northeastern border, Bushmen bands had been stealing cattle; by 1832 large numbers of Mantatees, fleeing from enemies beyond the border, entered the frontier zone. Wandering parties moved across the frontier, stealing or begging for food.
Government agents could issue passes for short periods; those who wished to stay longer to work had to negotiate a contract. In reality the government was unable to control the influx. Most frontier burghers did not know how to cope with vagrancy and constant cattle theft; many had experienced heavy losses of flocks and herds, and some were afraid for their lives.
The lack of government authority was worst in the large Tarka area, covering an area of more than 44 200 square kilometres. A justice of the peace stationed at the town of Cradock, assisted by a single constable, had to maintain order. After 1825, with the increase of complaints against masters, the inadequate administrative structure also became a major issue. Most people had to travel two or three days to the drostdy to lay a complaint, appear before a court to give evidence, or answer a summons.
The greatest discontent was aroused when burghers were compelled to appear in court after they had taken action against black vagrants or thieves. ‘There are no rights for burghers any more, but only for blacks,’ a distressed field-cornet exclaimed. He had been summoned to court after he had acted against ‘insolent’ Khoikhoi who had refused to leave a farm. A burgher remarked: ‘The protection of the Law is known only by name,’ and Governor D’Urban declared bluntly that the magistracy of Somerset was ‘littlebetter than a dead letter’.
