Complex sentence: The Ngonde claimed the protection of the African Lakes Company: this was initially refused but, after fighting in which the Ngonde were defeated and their paramount chief's village was sacked, many fled to Karonga.
Split into simpler sentences: The Ngonde claimed the protection of the African Lakes Company. This was initially refused but, after fighting in which the Ngonde were defeated and their paramount chief's village was sacked, many fled to Karonga.