In July 2018, I chaired the Police Street Survival Course in Gimborn, an annual training event where the Defensive Tactics Group (IPA-DTG) teaches essential skills to officers from around the globe. This course draws delegates from diverse backgrounds, ages, ranks, and experiences, fostering a unique environment of learning and camaraderie. It was here that I met Lieutenant Colonel Hien Shultz, a helicopter pilot in the South African Police Service (SAPS). Our shared dedication to law enforcement and personal safety sparked a friendship, culminating in an invitation to teach self-defence in South Africa. Despite various delays—work, COVID, and personal circumstances—it took me six years to finally make the journey. This is the story of that unforgettable experience.
The plan to visit South Africa was set a year prior, by planning a vacation with my wife. However, it didn’t take her long to realise that the primary reason for our trip was to connect with Hein and conduct two days training! Hein, proved to be an exceptional host, greeting us at Johannesburg airport and welcoming us into his home in Pretoria and making my wife feel safe. We were also introduced to his wonderful partner Mariska who is a serving officer in SAPS.
Among our sightseeing adventures, was a visit to the Koevoet Memorial at the Voortrekker Monument, Pretoria. This was dedicated to the Police Officers who died during the insurgency bush wars of 1979-89. Now sadly their sacrifice forgotten and only remembered by the few who were there. Another poignant visit was to the Police Memorial wall at the Union Buildings. Shockingly the wall rapidly fills with the names of over 100 officers per year who die in the line of duty. This sobering moment underscored the critical importance of our work in the IPA-DTG—not just as a professional outlet, but as a vital means of enhancing officer safety.
On our fourth day, we arrived at the beautiful IPA House (Johann Rissik House) in Pretoria, where I was to teach self-defence skills to police and IPA members. The turnout was impressive, with about 30 participants, mostly retirees but also some active officers. We began with a customary minute of silence for fallen and injured officers worldwide. I then gave an hour-long presentation on the DTG, emphasising our reality-based training, taught by police officers for police officers. The techniques are designed to be easy to learn, mastered, and remembered under stress. The training includes open-handed strikes, knife defence, stopping critical bleeding, and ground defence. By the end of the day, everyone was injury-free and thoroughly enjoyed the session having learnt something (I hope!)
We were joined by the IPA President of South Africa, Mr. ‘Vossie’ Vos, who presented certificates of attendance and expressed support for forming a DTG within the section. Hein and Robert Coetzee volunteered to lead this initiative, and several attendees applied to join the IPA, marking it a successful event. The day concluded with a traditional South African "braai" (BBQ), where we enjoyed a delicious spread, replenished our fluids and made new friends.
After another pleasing day with Hein, we embarked on a four-day safari in the Klaserie Private Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park. This unforgettable adventure deserves its own story, but suffice it to say, it was a trip of a lifetime. We then flew to Cape Town for the second training event at the IPA House, Timour Hall Villa, in the scenic Constantia Valley. This venue, with its stunning surroundings and excellent bar, is highly recommended for anyone visiting South Africa.
The training in Cape Town mirrored the Pretoria course but catered to a different audience. This time, 50 mostly active SAPS and Metro police officers, including the Executive Director (Safety & security) Vincent Botto and the Commissioner (Public Safety) Petrus Roberts. The session began with a particularly sombre minute of silence, as one of their officers had been murdered the day before, highlighting the extreme dangers faced by SAPS officers daily. Despite the heat, everyone trained hard, motivated and eager to learn. Many were inspired to join the IPA, further expanding our network. Although I was exhausted by the end of the day, I was gratified to know I had contributed to their safety.
The evening was spent replenishing fluids at the bar and listening to incredible stories of near-death experiences and heroic deeds—far from the usual mundane conversations about the weather or economic woes of the UK.
Leaving South Africa was bittersweet. It’s a land of contrasts—dangerous yet stunningly beautiful, with amazing wildlife but, most importantly, the warm-hearted and generous people I met. I would like to thank everyone I met and particularly Vossie and Jakkie who helped facilitate the visit. I am especially grateful to Hein and Mariska for their hospitality and friendship. I look forward to our next meeting and continuing our mission to enhance officer safety.
Rob Stenhouse, Defensive Tactics Group, Special Interest Group
