Behind the Response: C.J. Schwan on Elite Tactical and Protecting Richards Bay

Richards Bay Hub spoke to Elite Tactical General Manager C.J. Schwan about how the company started, what happens when a serious emergency call comes in, the people behind armed response vehicles and why community security means more to the team than simply gaining clients.
C.J.’s answers below are published exactly as supplied.

For people who only know Elite Tactical from seeing the vehicles around Richards Bay, who are you and what is Elite Tactical really about?

Elite Tactical is a proudly Richards Bay-based security company established at the beginning of 2026 by Founder Niren Govender and General Manager C.J. Schwan.
Both raised in Richards Bay, Niren and C.J. share a deep passion for protecting their community and making a positive difference. Their vision was to build a security company that not only protects its clients, but also plays an active role in creating a safer community.
Driven by their passion for security and commitment to Richards Bay, Elite Tactical is dedicated to protecting people, businesses and the community — because security is more than a service, it’s a responsibility.

“security is more than a service, it’s a responsibility.”

— C.J. Schwan

How did you get into the security industry, and what keeps you doing this work?

In 2019, I found my path in the security industry, starting my journey as an alarm technician. Over the years, I have gained valuable experience, knowledge and a deeper understanding of the industry.
For me, security is more than just a job — it is my passion, my calling and my purpose. I believe I was led into this industry to make a meaningful difference in Richards Bay, protect our community and help create a safer environment for everyone.

“For me, security is more than just a job — it is my passion, my calling and my purpose.”

— C.J. Schwan

When a serious call comes in, what happens behind the scenes that the public normally never sees?

When a serious emergency happens, Elite Tactical moves as one team. From our 24/7 control room to management and armed response, every member plays a role in ensuring the correct assistance is dispatched quickly.
Our controllers assess each emergency — whether it involves crime, medical assistance or fire — and immediately coordinate the appropriate response. Critical information is passed directly to the responding officers and management, ensuring our team knows what they are approaching before arriving on scene.
Our response officers are trained to remain alert and prepared for the unexpected. Every threat is treated seriously, and where necessary, multiple response vehicles are dispatched to support the team and improve scene safety.
For Elite Tactical, responding to an emergency is not simply about dispatching a vehicle — it is about taking responsibility from the first call until the situation is under control.

“For Elite Tactical, responding to an emergency is not simply about dispatching a vehicle — it is about taking responsibility from the first call until the situation is under control.”

— C.J. Schwan

Without identifying anyone or sharing sensitive operational details, is there a moment or incident that reminded you why this work matters?

Not every community call ends with a confirmed threat. Sometimes information is incomplete, a suspect has already left, or the situation turns out to be a false alarm. But that does not mean the call is not important.
Recently, Elite Tactical responded to an incident where a suspect attempted to evade security by getting onto a roof. Our response officers, management and team members immediately assisted an elderly couple — who were not Elite Tactical clients.
Their gratitude afterwards reminded us why we believe community security matters. We understand that not everyone can afford alarm monitoring or armed response, and not everyone has the luxury of having an alarm system.
For us, making a difference is not always about gaining a client. Sometimes, it is simply about being there when someone needs help. Knowing that a person in our community feels safer because Elite Tactical was willing to assist means more to us than words can express.

“For us, making a difference is not always about gaining a client. Sometimes, it is simply about being there when someone needs help.”

— C.J. Schwan

What do people misunderstand most about armed response and the people doing the job?

Many people see an armed response vehicle and simply see a security guard. What they don't see is the person behind the wheel — sitting for hours, often through long nights, cold weather and rain, waiting for the next call that could come at any moment.
An armed response officer never knows what the next alarm will bring. They may be responding to a break-in, a medical emergency, a fire or a road accident. They put themselves in vulnerable situations to assist others and are often among the first security personnel on scene.
Response officers also play an important supporting role alongside SAPS and emergency services, helping secure scenes, protect people and property, control access and maintain safety until the appropriate authorities arrive.
So, when you see those white flashing lights, remember that every second can matter. That vehicle may be rushing to help someone in their most difficult moment — and one day, it could be coming to help you.

“What they don't see is the person behind the wheel — sitting for hours, often through long nights, cold weather and rain, waiting for the next call that could come at any moment.”

— C.J. Schwan

When Richards Bay needs help, what keeps you and the team answering the next call?

At Elite Tactical, we believe Richards Bay deserves a security company that is willing to go beyond protecting its own clients and actively support the wider community.
That belief led us to establish our community crime and emergency group, where residents can receive important updates about crime trends, incidents and emergencies happening in their area. Too often, residents may not even know when a nearby home or business has been targeted. Keeping the community informed helps people remain alert and take preventative measures to protect themselves and their properties.
Our goal is not only to respond, but also to educate and empower the community. By sharing information about emerging crime trends and safety awareness, we encourage residents to take practical steps to reduce their risk of becoming victims.
We also recognize that not everyone can afford alarm monitoring or armed response. That is why we believe in giving back and assisting where we can, particularly those who may be more vulnerable.
Our commitment is simple: to be there when we can, to assist when we are able, and to keep working towards a safer Richards Bay for everyone — young and old.

“Our commitment is simple: to be there when we can, to assist when we are able, and to keep working towards a safer Richards Bay for everyone — young and old.”

— C.J. Schwan