FROM Diplomatic Courier, US Embassy Pretoria

On behalf of Sam Ntuli, his family, and colleagues at the Pretoria Regional Diplomatic Courier Hub in Pretoria, South Africa, we extend our sincerest gratitude to the Diplomatic Security Foundation and its dedicated volunteers for their tireless efforts in providing much-needed support to Sam, one of our esteemed colleagues, who was severely injured during a home invasion. 

On November 23, 2024, Sam Ntuli, a driver for the Pretoria Regional Diplomatic Courier Hub, was injured early Saturday morning when armed burglars broke into his home. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds but, thankfully, survived the attack. Sam has been with the embassy for over 13 years and is an indispensable member of our team. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was under doctor’s orders to refrain from returning to work for nearly six months. 

In addition to the physical violence he endured, Sam faced significant challenges, including high out-of-pocket medical expenses, psychological trauma affecting his family, the theft of valuable items from his home, and the need to relocate to a safer residence for security reasons. 

The generous grant from the DS Foundation was instrumental in helping Sam navigate these difficulties. Without this support, he may not have been able to cover several medical expenses not covered by his health insurance. The grant specifically helped him afford treatments with a physiotherapist, crutches, medications, and specialized medical boots for his injured feet. The assistance also enabled his family to enhance security measures at their home and repair fixtures damaged by the shooter’s bullets. Sam is particularly emotional and appreciative when recalling how the DS Foundation’s support allowed him to send his young son to a hospital specializing in trauma treatment. While his son continues to struggle with sleepless nights and keeps his lights on, he is making significant progress in his recovery. Sam and his family have worked hard to find a new home and have since relocated to a safer neighborhood. The $2,500 grant from the DS Foundation played a crucial role in helping them make choices that prioritize their safety and well-being. 

The DS Courier family and the broader Diplomatic Security community responded to Sam’s ordeal with an outpouring of concern, generosity, and empathy. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security, DAS Stuart, Director Battistone, Deputy Director Myelle, and others at HQ and the FRA Courier Division closely monitored Sam’s condition. DS colleagues visited his wife and children shortly after the burglary and found them understandably shaken and traumatized but surrounded by supportive family and friends. Despite his injuries and the shock of the incident, Sam was deeply moved by the overwhelming concern and kindness he received. The DS family is truly remarkable; their compassion is both inspiring and heartwarming. 

It is also worth noting that Sam attributes his survival to many of the skills he learned during FACT training and the contingencies he and his family implemented as a result.  Our hub chief affectionately nicknamed him “Ninja Defender” because of how he warded off the intruders with a kitchen stool.  While he is incredibly grateful to be alive, he also feels sadness and anger over the prevalence of violent crime, all for the theft of a couple of TVs and a PlayStation. 

Thank you, DS Foundation, for your unwavering care and support for Sam.