Ex-policeman writes riveting account of agent’s life

Almost everyone who loves the news, movies or action books, would know the two American Agencies, the Central Intelligence Agency and The Federal Bureau of Investigation.

But there is another agency that is becoming all the more important, as tensions between nations rise with world wars and peace agreements being the order of the day.

That is the federal agency appointed to protect diplomats.

Agents from the Diplomatic Security Service protect US diplomats and visiting dignitaries and conduct investigations about mostly visa and passport fraud between nations.

Pretoria east author Schalk van der Merwe chose such an agent as the main character of his first novel, naming him Hunter McCallum.

“Many of the experiences depicted in the story are inspired by the true accounts shared with me by such special agents, as well as my own personal experiences during my time working at the US Embassy in Pretoria,” he said.

In his writing, this ex-learner of Hoërskool Tuine, draws such a clear picture of those living and working on these frontlines, that the line between fiction and facts often gets blurred.

“It is inspired by real events and the stories of special agents,” Van der Merwe confessed.

He was always impressed by how incredibly able and qualified these agents were in fulfilling what was required of them.

“I was fascinated by how huge their responsibilities and importance in and at the embassies are and how very ably they handle them,” said Van der Merwe.

He looks very much the part of a tough, fit and impeccably dressed agent himself, being athletic and clean-cut.

As a fitness enthusiast, he has nine ultramarathons under his belt. He also served more than 19 years in the police force in Pretoria North at the Weapons Registry.

You might say he is someone who knows his Glock from a Colt firearm at first glance.

“I felt I had reached my ceiling as a lieutenant colonel. I don’t like stagnation and decided it was time for a change.”

After his police years, an eight-year stint followed at the US Embassy in Pretoria, where he served as a foreign service national investigator.

This involved managing sensitive investigations and serious crimes involving American citizens as victims and taking responsibility for the security of embassy employees, as well as vetting South Africans applying for jobs.

“There are quite a lot of security risks to manage at the embassy because of its proximity to several main streets of Pretoria and incoming and outgoing traffic of people and vehicles. I don’t think residents of Pretoria also know that 15 marines are stationed at the embassy, protecting the embassy and its staff 24 hours a day.”

This under-the-radar job necessitated Van der Merwe to keep a low profile, advising ambassadors and staff on security and law enforcement in South Africa, managing security teams at the embassy, and working in collaboration with agents of the Diplomatic Security Service.

This experience led him to write two books about his days as the head of security at the embassy: the non-fiction book, Fragile and the action-filled thriller, Special Agent Hunter McCallum – Mission South Africa.

The thriller takes readers into a world of espionage, diplomatic crises and shadowy figures involved in power plays and crime.

In addition to his career in law enforcement, Van der Merwe has a background in journalism, which started in 1988 with contributions to Servamus, the South African Police’s official magazine.

He later founded the community magazine, The Monument Park West News.

A detailed description of cars is a feature of Van der Merwe’s writing as he spent four years in the police’s flying squad. He is fond of cars from the early 80s, like Opel Astras. With his first salary cheque, he bought an Opel Ascona.

A little bit different to the high-powered vehicle that his main character, special agent Hunter McCallum rushes about in his book as he safeguards Americans in South Africa.

But then again, he’s not that different to his character who shares his life with a dog who brings out his softer, caring side.

Van der Merwe and his wife have also for years been involved in rescuing cats in Pretoria and finding them homes.

“Animals often need protection even more than people”.

– Click here to read more about the book: https://tinyurl.com/2r8mkbm3

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