Ronin SA Close Protection Academy
Internationally accredited CP training. Founder Cyril Paton is a Ronin SA graduate with local and international assignment experience.
Who we are
Built on the Continent.
Trained by Government.
P8N Defense is headquartered in Durban, South Africa, and was founded by Cyril Paton — a graduate of the world-renowned Ronin SA Close Protection Academy, certified by the United Nations Department of Safety and Security, holder of BSAFE Certification, former National Intervention Unit operator, and close protection professional with extensive local and international assignment experience.
Our difference
Real-threat experience.
Real consequences.
Most private security firms are staffed by corporate-trained personnel. P8N Defense is different.
Founded on internationally accredited close protection training and elite law enforcement experience, our operators come from units tasked with protecting South Africa's most sensitive interests.
Every operator is a trained operational medic, first responder, and advanced offensive and defensive driver. Drone-enabled aerial assessment provides real-time threat identification across all service lines. Our principals trust us with their lives and privacy — both are protected with equal rigour.
Tier 1Operator standard
100%Client discretion
4Elite unit backgrounds
Founder & operator credentials
A standard earned
in the field.
United Nations UNDSS Certified
A globally recognised standard in safety and security operations.
BSAFE Certified
UN-standard safety and security certification reflecting international operational protocols.
Former National Intervention Unit
SAPS medium-to-high-risk operations — one of South Africa's most demanding law-enforcement units.
Former Special Task Force
SAPS elite counter-terrorism and hostage-rescue unit.
Former SAPS Counter Assault Team
SAPS VIP-protection rapid-response unit.
Former South African Special Forces
Military special operations across continental and international deployments.
Military Intelligence
Threat analysis, intelligence operations, and advance work.
Operational Medics & First Responders
Security and immediate medical capability unified in every deployment.
Advanced Offensive & Defensive Driving
Vehicle-based threats are anticipated, countered, and controlled.
Commissioned Police Detective
Detective Academy trained, with convictions secured on serious criminal matters.
Forensic Ballistics
Expert knowledge for analysis and testimony in criminal and civil proceedings.
AVSEC Certified
Former Tactical Team Leader at OR Tambo International Airport, including live aircraft extraction operations.
SAIW Inspector — Level One
Diploma 10303. Experience at Sasol, Eskom, Engen, Sapref, and Air Liquide.
ISPS Code Certified
Port Facility Security Officer and Company Security Officer, certified under SOLAS 1974 Chapter XI-2 and Parts A and B of the ISPS Code.
Maritime & port security
Certified to the
ISPS Code.
The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code defines two certified officer roles. P8N Defense holds both.
The Port Facility Security Officer is responsible for the security assessment and the security plan of a port facility — access control, restricted areas, cargo and stores handling, and the response to changes in security level.
The Company Security Officer is responsible for a shipping company’s vessel security arrangements — ship security assessments and plans, and the liaison between vessel, company and port facility.
Both certifications were completed in October 2024 through ISPS Africa, an approved training provider accredited by the South African Department of Transport, to the IMO model-course standard for international recognition.
PFSOPort facility security officer
CSOCompany security officer
SOLAS XI-2ISPS Code Parts A & B
P8N Defense is headquartered in Durban, within reach of the Port of Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal logistics corridor. ISPS certification positions the company to support port facility operators and shipping companies with security assessments, security plans and compliance against Parts A and B of the Code.
Specialist placement
Female Close
Protection Officers.
P8N Defense fields trained female close protection officers for female principals, families with children, and assignments requiring discreet same-gender placement.
Female CPOs operate in accordance with the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, carrying licensed handguns within the CPO environment. Operator identity is protected.
Ronin SA — Accredited Employer
Trusted to receive
the academy's graduates.
P8N Defense is listed as an accredited employer on the Ronin SA platform, placing it among an exclusive group of firms trusted to receive graduates of South Africa's premier close-protection academy.
All operators are retired or separated from SAPS and SANDF service. No currently serving members participate in any P8N Defense operation, in full compliance with regulations on outside remunerative work.
Discretion is our foundation