Teaching SA survival skills
TWO years ago, Robby Mahabeer and his friend, Joshua Nichol, started an academy that provides free lessons in self-defence.
He did this with the aim of fighting crime and to enable people to defend themselves.
As a Durban metro police captain, he realised he could share his knowledge and that was the beginning of Cops.
Mahabeer said the programme had been a big success. In his personal capacity he provides free training to Community Policing Forums (CPF) all over Durban at schools and residences.
“A friend came up with the idea. The self-defence we teach is not formal – it’s street fighting and survival skills. These are easy to learn. We even teach youngsters. That’s how easy it is to learn selfdefence tactics,” he said.
Mahabeer who lives in Overport, said self-defence was about teaching people to deal with their environment.
“Crime will not decrease, no matter what. We target civilian groups that are going out on the street ill-equipped. We empower them with training. When they go out to serve the community, they need to know how to protect themselves.”
Mahabeer said the programme didn’t affect his job as a policeman because he ran it when off duty.
A presentation lasts about 90 minutes. He also gives a talk on crime, what to look out for and criminal law. Anyone who wants to be part of this free training can call him at 083 560 0599.