It has been just over a month since the armed robbery incident involving Réjane Woodroffe and Dave Martin, co-founders of the Bulungula Incubator. Both are making a strong recovery from the injuries they sustained during the attack. They took time away from their work, and during their absence, an acting director was appointed to ensure the smooth running of Bulungula Incubator operations. Starting this week, Réjane and Dave have fully resumed their roles.

[READ MORE] Public Statement from the Bulungula Incubator Board of Directors: Réjane Woodroffe and Dave Martin Safe After Armed Robbery Incident 

Updates on the Investigation of the Incident 

Despite substantial evidence gathered, including video footage and identification, no suspects have been arrested to date. The investigation remains ongoing, and while we are awaiting more definitive answers, we trust that all the relevant authorities are involved, and we remain hopeful that justice will be served.

Strengthening Community Safety

The police have made several key commitments to enhance safety in our area. A police station, which has been under discussion for many years, will be constructed in Thafalehashe, a village approximately 45 minutes drive from our community. In the interim, a temporary station will be erected as early as next month, providing a much-needed police presence while the permanent structure is built. Furthermore, regular police patrols have been promised, including a dedicated police truck for our community, Xhora Mouth Administrative Area. These steps aim to address the ongoing safety concerns of our community and reinforce security across our villages.

Unfortunately, this incident is part of a series of related attacks in our area since the end of 2023. Following other incidents earlier this year, our community implemented several security measures. These include access-controlled security gates on the single road into our area, video cameras at the entry and exit of our road, and alarms installed throughout our community, with weekly tests. We employ night security guards at all of our project sites and the Bulungula Lodge, who continue to perform their duties diligently.

Thanks to these security protocols, we were able to act swiftly during the incident involving Dave and Réjane and gather substantial evidence to identify the suspects.

A guard linked to a private security company controls access to our community on our single road.
Every vehicle coming in and out of our community must be registered with our guard.

In response to the recent attacks, we have formalised a Community Policing Forum (CPF) in collaboration with the Elliotdale police station. Twenty volunteers from each of our four villages patrol nightly. Elected leaders of the CPF will meet regularly with traditional leaders and law enforcement to address any suspicious activity and report on crime prevention measures.

Additionally, we are working closely with private security companies to further strengthen our security measures to prevent and respond to future threats. Access to the community is now strictly controlled, and every visitor must be reported to the community iBhodi (community traditional leadership board).

Dali Maleyile, an employee at the Bulungula Incubator and a dedicated community member, recently volunteered to join the Nqileni Community Policing Forum. He captured the spirit of collective responsibility: “Even if I weren’t working at the BI, I would sign up to volunteer for the policing forum because I want to be part of the solution to stop crime in our community.” 

Standing Together for Justice

Frustrated by the lack of arrests despite identifying the suspects, our community organised a peaceful and lawful protest at the Elliotdale Police Station. On the 5th of September, hundreds of community members delivered a memorandum of demands, including:

  1. Fast-tracking the construction of the police station in Tafalehash.
  2. Establishing a satellite police station near Folokwe Village.
  3. Deploying a dedicated police van to patrol Nqileni Village and support the Community Policing Forum.
  4. Making urgent arrests in all pending cases and ensuring no bail for the perpetrators.

The memorandum was signed by community leaders, including the Chief of the Jalanma Traditional Council, local headmen, ward councillors, and representatives from various organisations in our community, including the Bulungula Incubator, Bulungula College, Bulungula Lodge, Equality Collective and Viva con Agua.

While the police have committed to sending a patrol vehicle, the community remains unsatisfied with the response time. We continue to actively discuss with the police station as we push for immediate action to safeguard our villages.

[READ MORE] Community organised protest press release from Equality Collective

Community organised protest at Elliotdale Police Station
Community organised protest at Elliotdale Police Station
Community leaders demanding answers from police during protest at Elliotdale Police Station, 05 September.

Media Attention and Public Solidarity

The incident has drawn significant media attention, including a 16-minute segment aired on Carte Blanche on the 15th of September. The episode will be available on YouTube in the coming weeks—stay tuned for the link. Several major publications have also reported on the incident, helping to amplify our call for justice and enhanced security measures for our community and the Wild Coast region.

Moving Forward Together

We are deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support from our greater Bulungula community. The solidarity shown by so many has strengthened our resolve to continue our work. We have also received generous donations to cover various recovery costs. These funds have been used for essential needs, including trauma counselling services for our staff. 

Despite the challenges, our work at Bulungula has continued without disruption. This period has proven to be a valuable “stress test” of our systems and sustainability, with our incredible staff taking on additional responsibilities to ensure our projects run smoothly. We are incredibly proud of our team. 

While the lack of arrests is disheartening, we are not just standing by. Our community has demonstrated an incredible unity of purpose, stepping up to protect one another and ensure the safety of our villages. This is a testament to our rural community’s cohesiveness and strong sense of Ubuntu—when one person is affected, we are all affected.

Timeline of Key Events

  • 24 August: Xhorha Mouth Administrative Area meeting, led by Chief Vuyani Gwebindlala, emphasising community vigilance and the formation of a CPF.
  • 3 September: Carte Blanche filming visit to the community.
  • 4 September: Election of 20 volunteers per village for nightly patrols.
  • 5 September: Community protest at Elliotdale Police Station, with hundreds attending.
  • 13 September: Police promise a temporary station and regular patrols following a follow-up meeting.
  • 18 September: Update from police confirming the start of patrols in mid-October.
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