Had the trap not been a little slow in closing, the war in the Free State might have ended then and there.
From the 9th to the 25th the Boers were held in front of Wepener.

Let us trace the movements of the other British detachments during that time.
Brabant's force, with Hart's brigade, which had been diverted on its way to Kimberley, where it was to form part of Hunter's division, was moving on the south towards Wepener, advancing through Rouxville, but going slowly for fear of scaring the Boers away before they were sufficiently compromised.

Chermside's 3rd division approached from the north-west, moving out from the railway at Bethany, and passing through Reddersberg towards Dewetsdorp, from which it would directly threaten the Boer line of retreat.

The movement was made with reassuring slowness and gentleness, as when the curved hand approaches the unconscious fly.

And then suddenly, on April 21st, Lord Roberts let everything go.