Close Protection
VIP Protection & Bodyguards
Good close protection is mostly invisible: careful planning, quiet awareness and the judgement to avoid trouble rather than confront it. Vigilant CQ Security provides discreet bodyguard and VIP protection for public figures, officials, business people and families, starting with an honest assessment of the threat.
- Threat assessment first
- Discreet, low-profile approach
- Advance planning of movements
- Confidential arrangements
Who we protect
- Public figures and celebrities attending performances, launches and public appearances
- Officials and dignitaries on visits, at meetings and at functions
- Business people travelling to meetings, sites and airports, or facing a specific threat
- Families who need protection during a period of heightened risk, such as after a threat or incident, or during a high-profile occasion
- Visitors to South Africa who want someone with local knowledge looking after their safety
For corporate leaders with an ongoing protection need, see our executive protection service.
Starting with a threat assessment
The right level of protection depends on the real risk, not on appearances. Before proposing a team, we ask who the principal is, what their profile is, whether there have been specific threats or incidents, where they will be going and who travels with them.
From that we judge what is needed: one experienced protection officer, a small team, a driver, armed or unarmed officers, or protection at the residence as well as on the move. Over-protection can draw attention; under-protection leaves gaps. The assessment keeps it proportionate.
Advance planning and the day itself
Most of the work happens before the principal arrives. Depending on the assignment, this can include reviewing venues and arrival points, planning routes and alternatives, identifying the nearest medical facilities and police stations, and agreeing who the protection team liaises with at each location.
On the day, officers stay close but unobtrusive, manage approaches from the public, keep movements on time and adapt when plans change. Details of routes and arrangements remain strictly confidential and are shared only with those who need them.
Officers and discretion
Protection officers are PSIRA-registered and screened, and are selected for the assignment based on the principal's needs, including presentation, language and the settings they will be working in. Discretion is part of the job: officers do not discuss clients, share images or disclose schedules.
Where officers are armed, they carry firearms lawfully and use them only as the law allows. We do not publicise our protection methods, and we will not take on work intended to intimidate or harass others.
Short assignments and ongoing protection
We assess and quote on single-day assignments, multi-day visits and longer-term protection. For events, close protection can be combined with event security at the venue, and for valuables in transit, with secure escorts. All arrangements are confirmed in a written proposal, and enquiries are handled confidentially from the first contact.
Options & specifications
| Principals | Public figures, officials, business people, families and visitors |
|---|---|
| Team size | One officer to a small team; set by threat assessment |
| Armed or unarmed | Determined by assessment |
| Planning | Venues, routes and contingencies reviewed in advance |
| Duration | Single day, multi-day or ongoing |
| Confidentiality | Schedules and client details kept strictly private |
Options, materials and turnaround are confirmed on your written quote.
How ordering works
- 1
Confidential enquiry
Tell us who needs protection, when and why.
- 2
Threat assessment
We assess the risk and the itinerary.
- 3
Protection plan
You receive a written proposal for team and arrangements.
- 4
Assignment
Officers carry out advance work and protect the principal.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an armed bodyguard?
Not always. Many assignments are best handled by an experienced unarmed officer who keeps a low profile. Armed protection is recommended where the threat assessment justifies it. We explain our reasoning so you can make an informed decision.
How much notice do you need?
The more notice we have, the better the advance planning. We can sometimes help at short notice, depending on the assignment and availability of suitable officers. Contact us as early as possible and we will tell you what is realistic.
Can you protect my family at home as well as on the move?
Yes. Protection can cover the residence, school runs and outings, often combined with guarding or patrols at the home. The arrangement depends on the threat assessment and is set out in the proposal.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Enquiries, schedules and personal information are shared only with the officers and staff who need them, and handled in line with POPIA. Officers are briefed on confidentiality before every assignment.
Can you provide protection for a visitor arriving at the airport?
Yes. We can meet visitors on arrival and provide protection for the duration of their stay, including transport between venues, after assessing the itinerary and the risk.
Request a quote for VIP Protection & Bodyguards
Related services
Executive ProtectionProtection programmes for directors and senior managers covering travel, transport, residence and contingency planning.View 
Secure Escorts for ValuablesPlanned security escorts for valuable goods, equipment, documents and people moving between locations.View 
Event SecurityPlanned security for parties, weddings, corporate functions and concerts, covering access, crowds, parking and incidents.View 
Private InvestigationsDiscreet, lawful investigations into fraud, theft and workplace misconduct, with evidence prepared for employers and attorneys.View
Need discreet protection for someone who matters to you? Enquire in confidence.
Send your brief, quantities and deadline. We reply with a clear written quote and confirm the turnaround before anything goes to production.