The British South Africa Company Police (BSACP) used the Maxim gun as a critical weapon in establishing colonial rule in Southern Africa during the late 19th century, particularly against Ndebele forces. The weapon allowed small numbers of police to overpower much larger native forces, notably during the First Matabele War (1893). 

Key aspects of the BSACP and the Maxim gun:

• Deployment (1890): In 1890, the BSAC Police established five troops, each equipped with a .45 cal Maxim gun on a galloping carriage.
• Matabele War (1893): The Matabele regiments were devastated by the Maxim machine guns, creating "havoc". In one instance, 50 soldiers with four Maxim guns held off 5,000 Ndebele warriors.
• Jameson Raid (1895-1896): Multiple Maxim guns were used in this failed raid.
• Second Matabele War (1896-1897): The BSAP used two ex-Royal Navy .45 Maxims on carriages, along with 10 others purchased later.
• Impact: The machine gun was central to the BSAC's ability in action against the Matabele and Shona, despite the company having fewer than 700 men against thousands of Ndebele warriors.