NARROW ESCAPE: Centurion home of Dalai Lama’s SA representative firebombed
A shaken Dhundup Gyalpo describes how he nearly lost his life in a desperate scramble to escape the blaze that destroyed much of the house and office, and points to ‘larger political forces’.
On Wednesday night, 14 October 2026, the house and office of the Dalai Lama’s representative in South Africa were severely damaged by a petrol bomb attack in Centurion. The representative, Dhundup Gyalpo, recounted his narrow escape from the blaze, describing how he was woken by the sound of shattering glass and found his home engulfed in smoke.
Gyalpo managed to escape through a broken bedroom window, only to discover another petrol bomb hanging from a window. The attack left much of the house destroyed, including all documents and furniture in the office.
This was the second arson attack on the house, with the first incident occurring on the night of the Dalai Lama’s 91st birthday, 6 July 2026. Gyalpo reported that incident to the police but requested they keep it confidential at the time. He stated that the attack on Wednesday was a deliberate attempt to convey a political message, not an attempt to rob or steal anything.
Gyalpo believes there are larger political forces at play, as he and the South African people have no animosity towards each other, and many South Africans are sympathetic to the situation in Tibet.
Gyalpo emphasized that his presence in South Africa was purely to promote the Dalai Lama’s views on nonviolence, peace, and compassion. He stated that he has not done anything political that could put the South African government in a difficult position. Despite the attack, Gyalpo remains undeterred, affirming that he and the Dalai Lama will continue their work undisturbed.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) have not responded to requests for comment, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation declined to comment, citing it as a policing matter.
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