Bulungula Incubator Co-Founders Safe After Armed Robbery in Nqileni Village

On the night of August 14, 2024, Dave Martin and Réjane Woodroffe, co-founders of the Bulungula Incubator, were attacked by four armed men who broke into their home. Despite the traumatic experience, both Dave and Réjane are safe and on the road to recovery.

The incident began when the assailants ambushed Dave as he returned home from work. The intruders ransacked the house, assaulted the couple, and then proceeded to the Bulungula Incubator offices, where they tied up the night guard, Sonwabile Timo Futu, before robbing the office. The attackers forced Dave and Réjane into a Bulungula Incubator vehicle and fled the scene.

Sonwabile managed to escape and raise the alarm. The local community responded quickly, blocking roads and organizing a search. Their swift actions forced the attackers to abandon the vehicle and flee on foot. Dave and Réjane were safely recovered and taken to Madwaleni Hospital, where they received treatment for injuries, including head wounds, broken ribs, and a punctured lung. Sonwabile was unharmed.

The Bulungula Incubator Board of Directors has expressed deep gratitude for the community’s resilience and the excellent care provided by Madwaleni Hospital staff. The police investigation is ongoing, but the incident appears to be an isolated act by a single group involved in similar crimes in the area.

In a message from Réjane, she expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support they received and reiterated their commitment to addressing the systemic issues that lead to such crimes. The Bulungula Incubator team and Board remain dedicated to their mission and will continue their work while Dave and Réjane take time to heal.

The Bulungula community, united by this ordeal, stands stronger and more determined than ever to build a brighter future together.