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Close Protection & Executive Security Services

Former special forces operators delivering intelligence-led personal protection across South Africa and 47 countries. PSIRA Grade A certified, armed and unarmed options available.

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Sentinel Africa Group sets the standard for close protection in South Africa and across the African continent. Our executive protection operatives are drawn exclusively from elite military and law enforcement backgrounds, including the South African Special Forces (Recces), the South African Police Service Special Task Force, and international tier-1 units. Every operator holds PSIRA Grade A certification and undergoes rigorous continuous training that far exceeds industry requirements, ensuring that our principals receive protection from the most capable professionals in the field.

Our intelligence-led approach fundamentally differentiates us from conventional security providers. Before any close protection detail commences, our intelligence division conducts comprehensive threat assessments using our proprietary ThreatWatch platform, analysing everything from crime patterns and political instability to social media chatter and historical incident data. This proactive methodology means threats are identified and mitigated before they materialise, creating an invisible shield around our principals that extends well beyond the physical security team.

We offer the full spectrum of personal protection services, from overt armed details for high-threat environments to discreet covert protection for executives who prefer an invisible security presence. Our armored vehicle fleet integrates seamlessly with close protection operations, and our cyber protection division ensures that digital threats are managed alongside physical ones. Whether you require a single operative for a business trip to Johannesburg or a full multi-vehicle detail for a pan-African tour, our operations centre coordinates every element through our OpsLink command platform.

Family protection is a cornerstone of our service offering. We understand that protecting a principal extends to their loved ones, and we deploy dedicated family security details that cover school runs, spousal protection, domestic staff vetting, and residential security integration. Our operatives are trained not only in tactical response but in discretion and etiquette, ensuring seamless integration into your lifestyle. With operations spanning 47 countries and over 2,400 successful missions, Sentinel Africa Group is the trusted choice for corporations, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, diplomats, and celebrities who demand absolute protection.

Key Facts
Years Active 17+
Missions Completed 2,400+
Safety Record 100%
Countries Served 47
PSIRA Grade A
Response Time 4 hrs

Close Protection Capabilities

Personal Protection

Overt and covert armed or unarmed personal protection by former special forces operators. Tailored to threat level and client preference.

Family Security

Comprehensive family protection including school runs, spousal details, and domestic integration without disrupting daily life.

Corporate Executive Detail

Board-level executive protection for corporate leaders, including travel coordination, meeting security, and threat management.

Travel Security

End-to-end international travel protection with advance teams, local intelligence, airport fast-track, and secure ground transport.

Advance & Reconnaissance

Pre-deployment route surveys, venue assessments, and threat mapping ensure every environment is secured before the principal arrives.

Counter-Surveillance

Dedicated counter-surveillance teams detect and neutralise hostile surveillance, including technical sweeps and digital monitoring.

Why Choose Sentinel for Close Protection

Tier-1 Operators

Every operative is drawn from elite special forces and law enforcement units with decades of operational experience.

Intelligence-Led

ThreatWatch integration means threats are identified proactively, not just reacted to after the fact.

24/7 Operations Centre

Every detail is monitored in real-time from our command centre with immediate escalation protocols.

100% Safety Record

Over 2,400 missions across 47 countries with a flawless safety record. Zero principals harmed.

ThreatWatch™ Intelligence Integration

Every close protection engagement is powered by Sentinel's proprietary ThreatWatch platform, a real-time intelligence system that aggregates threat data from multiple sources including OSINT feeds, law enforcement databases, and our own field intelligence network across Africa.

Before your detail begins, ThreatWatch generates a comprehensive threat picture that informs route planning, venue selection, and resource allocation. During operations, our analysts monitor live feeds and provide real-time updates to your protection team via the encrypted OpsLink command system, ensuring your detail always operates with the most current intelligence available.

Real-Time Threat Feed

Continuous monitoring of crime, political, and security events in your area of operation.

Route Intelligence

Dynamic route analysis with alternate paths and safe havens pre-identified.

OpsLink Command

Encrypted team communications with GPS tracking and panic button integration.

Incident Reporting

Instant digital incident reports with photo, video, and GPS documentation.

Case Study

Fortune 500 | Pan-African Tour
Executive Protection Across 14 African Nations

Sentinel Africa Group was engaged to provide comprehensive close protection for the CEO of a Fortune 500 corporation during a 32-day tour spanning 14 African countries. The operation required advance teams in each country, coordination with local security assets, armored transport at every stop, and real-time intelligence monitoring throughout. Our team deployed a rotating detail of 8 operators supported by in-country liaison officers and a 24/7 operations centre watch team. The entire operation was completed with zero security incidents, on schedule, and without disruption to the client's business agenda.

14
Countries
32
Days
0
Incidents
8
Operators

Frequently Asked Questions

Our close protection officers are drawn from South Africa's most elite units, including the SA Special Forces (Recces), Police Special Task Force, and international tier-1 military and law enforcement units. All operatives hold PSIRA Grade A registration and undergo continuous advanced training in threat assessment, defensive driving, trauma medicine, counter-surveillance techniques, and advanced firearms handling. Many hold additional certifications in executive protection from internationally recognised institutions.
Yes. We offer both armed and unarmed close protection options depending on the threat assessment and client requirements. Our armed operatives are fully licensed under PSIRA and the Firearms Control Act, and regularly qualify on multiple weapon platforms. We also provide covert armed protection where the security presence needs to remain invisible. The decision between armed and unarmed protection is informed by our intelligence analysis and discussed with the client during the planning phase.
Absolutely. Family protection is a core component of our close protection services. We provide dedicated family security details that encompass school runs, spousal protection, residential security integration, and travel security for all family members. Our operatives are trained in discretion and etiquette to ensure seamless integration into your family's daily routines without causing disruption or drawing unnecessary attention.
Sentinel Africa Group provides close protection across all major South African cities including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria, as well as across the entire African continent spanning 47 countries. We also deploy internationally for executive travel protection with advance teams and integration with local security partners in destination countries.
We maintain rapid-deployment teams on standby in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban for immediate response. Standard deployments can be arranged within 24-48 hours. Emergency deployments within South Africa are possible within 4-6 hours. For international deployments, we typically require 48-72 hours to conduct advance work and coordinate with local assets. Contact our operations team for emergency deployment requests.

Ready to Secure Your People?

Speak with our close protection team to design a security detail tailored to your threat profile and lifestyle.

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