The Jameson Raid ( 29 December 1895 – 2 January 1896 ) was a botched raid Attack against the South African Republic ( commonly known as the Transvaal ) carried out Action by British colonial statesman Leander Starr Jameson and his Company troops ( `` police '' in the employ Employment of Alfred Beit 's and Cecil Rhodes ' British South Africa Company ) and Bechuanaland policemen over the New Year weekend of 1895–96 .