In 1822, during the Mfecane/Difaqane Wars, the AmaHlubi (led by Mpangazitha) and AmaNgwane (led by Matiwane) attacked Mmanthatisi and her homestead. It was said that they attacked Mmanthatisi and her followers in the early hours of the morning so they would be caught off guard. Although they were unprepared, her brave warriors fought Mpangazitha and his troops. This was however a terrible defeat for Mmanthatisi who managed to flee to her brother Letlala's home, with some of her people. In one night, the world of the Batlokwa had changed forever. They had lost their homes, most of their cattle and possessions. Not only that, but many had lost their family members whether through death or left behind to the mercies of the invaders. Her brother invited her to stay but she refused as some of her followers had planned to take the cattle of their hosts. Kgosi. Nkgahle, of the Batlokwa ba Mokgalong, who lived nearby, offered sanctuary and assistance, but this she also refused. She was afraid of losing the independence of her tribe, especially since the Mokgalong branch were the senior kingdom to her Batlokwa ba Mokotleng. She also had reason to believe that Nkgahle had been involved in some treachery aimed at deposing her, and so she did not trust him. She was also worried that Mpangazitha might follow their trails and come to finish them off and also invade the people of her birth. Mmanthatisi instead chose to lead her followers westwards and do what her people were known for, which was fight.
