Video: Combat aggressive attacks-Highway Mail staff put through their paces

IT’S rough out there and one never knows when the criminals will suddenly appear to steal your handbag, camera bag, laptop, cellphone or car.

To equip the Highway Mail sales representatives and journalists with basic self-defence techniques, the Cops Combat Academy (CCA) spent the morning at the Highway Mail office where they put them through their paces.

Captain Robbie Mahabeer and his side-kick, Gareth Basson began the morning session relating the law and citizens’ rights.

Captain Robbie and Gareth then demonstrated basic moves to use when an attacker grabs you and  showed how to disarm a knife-wielding thief and gun-toting villain.

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Although one expects this type of training to require some fancy karate-type kicks and katas, the self-defence moves taught are simple but effective and, at the very least, buys a victim time to escape and seek help.

What does need to be done, however, is practise as repetition will make the moves a natural response when under the pressure of an attack.

Staff enjoyed the session and felt empowered to save themselves from attacks. Many a spouse or partner, I am sure, was demonstrated on that evening, however, we have received no letter of complaint or medical bills as yet.

About Cops Combat Academy 

Captain Robbie Mahabeer has been in service with the Metro Police Services for 39 years. Captain Robbie has led many Police Force Units, Dog Units, Crime Prevention Units and training academies. He has been trained by the FBI, DEA, various American Law Enforcement Agencies and SAPS SWAT. He holds a wealth of knowledge and experience in successfully disarming various threats.

Captain Robbie is a father of three with his lovely wife who supports his vision and investment into his mission to empower as many people as he can. His commitment to CCA is loved and respected by those closest to him as he stands to make a positive difference in every person’s life.

CCA mission

CCA is on a mission to help people help themselves when criminals strike.

“We have been exposed to crime on varying levels. We have seen and experienced the effects of crime directly. As crime continues to deteriorate our businesses, schools, homes and communities, we have endeavoured to work towards a better home for all,” said Captain Robbie.

“This dream is to empower at the very least 1 person so that they can make a difference. We want to see a brighter future for those we know and care about.

“We have made a commitment to our communities to empower, educate and train individuals so that they may be able to escape from crime which they may be affected by. As we train and empower, we have the privilege of being able to see ordinary people feel empowered to protect themselves and their families,” he said.

Can anyone learn?

If the motley crew from the Highway Mail (we did not all win the best sportsman and woman of the year awards at school or university) and folk at senior homes can learn, then anyone can.

“CCA training has been designed to cater for all. We train children all the way to pensioners. We do not believe the challenges we face daily are specific to only select individuals. We have ensured that our training from beginner to advanced will meet the needs of every person who attends,” said Gareth.

“CCA training programme equips you to protect yourself in the event of a crime. Along with our training, students are educated through scenario-based training to understand what to expect and how to protect themselves. Along with the physical aspect of protecting ourselves, we believe in education. We condition our students’ bodies and minds,”Captain Robbie said.

Empowering women and children

Captain Robbie and Gareth said they are passionate about what they do.

“The privilege we have as a team to educate and empower those we train has been a fulfilling part of our journey. In recent years we have seen an increase in South Africa relating to various forms of inequality. Our training has assisted in empowering women and children, to understand their value and ability.

“We want to see those we love feel protected and empowered to protect themselves. Our wives and daughters were made to be the centre of our homes, our businesses and our country. We want to be there to support them in every way possible as we journey for a better home for all.”

What makes CCA different?

There are various disciplines which offer training, however, where CCA presents a different perspective on these disciplines is in the area of approaching education, training and empowerment.

The simplicity of their programme is easy to understand, practice and implement. They ensure that every student can grasp the important life- changing techniques they teach.

Results are shown as students can master various techniques in just one session. Many shy away from self-defence training because it involves countless hours, a change of clothes and some level of fitness. “But we work in the comfort of any environment making training relevant and practical,” said Gareth.

Corporate vision

CCA is reaching out to businesses to invest in their companies and their employees. Their corporate programme offers teambuilding coupled with self-awareness, self-confidence and develops an ‘I can do attitude’.

“We have found that students walk away from training sessions feeling invested, educated and empowered. We see businesses playing an important role in our communities. This is one way for businesses to be able to give back to their hard-working employees by empowering them to protect themselves, their businesses and their families.

“Our training is a fun way for teams to be able to get out of the work zone and focus on themselves and each other. We focus on building stronger trusting work relationships,” said Captain Robbie.

Corporate packages

Their corporate training is suitable for any available space. There are no set-up requirements, just available space to host students. They travel nationally and can cater for any group size.

Their rates are extremely competitive, with sessions from two to six-hours, from beginner level training through to advanced. They perform follow up sessions at reduced rates which cater for refresher training, intermediate and advanced training.

“We have had the privilege of training some corporates like Vodacom, UKZN, Alexander Forbes, SABC and eThekwini Municipality,” Gareth said.

Well, the Highway Mail staff certainly enjoyed the training, found it easy to apply and felt empowered.

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