A FREE RESOURCE FROM FORTIS PRO ACTIVE DEFENCE
Understand the risks. Strengthen your home security. Prepare your family.
Thank you for joining the FORTIS newsletter. This comprehensive guide is our gift to you — practical information to help you think ahead, reduce vulnerabilities and prepare for difficult situations.
CHAPTER 01 / UNDERSTANDING THE THREAT
HOME INVASIONS ARE NOT ALWAYS RANDOM.
Understanding how offenders select targets can help you identify weaknesses before they are exploited.
WHAT RESEARCH TELLS US
The original guide references research by Professor Rudolph Zinn involving interviews with 30 convicted home-invasion offenders in South Africa.
Reported themes include financial motivation, information about valuables, household routines, access points and the role of early warning measures.
These findings provide useful insight into the behaviour of the offenders studied, but should not be treated as predictions of every incident.
THINGS WORTH THINKING ABOUT
Information: Who knows about your valuables, security arrangements and daily routines?
Visibility: Can someone easily observe activities inside your home?
Access: Are doors, windows, gates and other entry points adequately secured?
Early warning: Would you know if someone entered your property before reaching the house?
Online activity: Are you sharing travel plans or sensitive household information publicly?
CHAPTER 02 / PREVENTION
MAKE YOUR HOME A HARDER TARGET.
Effective home security relies on multiple layers. No single measure provides complete protection.
01
SECURE THE PERIMETER
Review fencing, gates, locks, lighting and the visibility of vulnerable entry points.
Consider monitored alarms or perimeter sensors that provide an early warning of unusual activity.
02
STRENGTHEN THE HOUSE
Maintain secure doors and windows, reliable locks, alarm systems and appropriate indoor security measures.
Dogs may provide useful warning through barking, but should be one part of a broader security plan.
03
REVIEW DAILY HABITS
Be mindful of personal information shared online, check unexpected visitors before opening doors and keep security systems maintained.
Stay connected with neighbours and community safety groups.
CHAPTER 03 / FAMILY PREPARATION
HAVE A PLAN BEFORE YOU NEED ONE.
In an emergency, family members should not have to invent a plan under pressure.
YOUR FAMILY EMERGENCY CHECKLIST
- Identify safe exits and an alternative route if the main exit is blocked.
- Agree on a safer room or location where family members can shelter if necessary.
- Make sure everyone knows how to contact emergency services.
- Discuss how to communicate during an emergency.
- Keep essential contact details and emergency supplies accessible.
- Review and practise your plan regularly, taking account of children and anyone needing assistance.
IF AN INCIDENT OCCURS
Prioritise personal safety. Avoid unnecessary confrontation and move to safety if you can do so without increasing danger.
If escape is not possible, seek a safer location and contact emergency services when it is safe to do so.
Keep communication clear and follow the instructions of responding emergency personnel.
Every incident is different. A family plan helps you prepare, but no written guide can guarantee a safe outcome.
CHAPTER 04 / LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. UNDERSTAND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES.
South African self-defence law requires careful consideration of the circumstances, the threat and the necessity of any defensive response.
IMPORTANT LEGAL PRINCIPLES
Not every unlawful entry justifies the use of force, and not every threat justifies the same response.
The legality of defensive actions depends on the circumstances and the applicable legal requirements.
Understanding these principles is an important part of responsible preparation.
CHAPTER 05 / AFTER AN INCIDENT
SAFETY AND SUPPORT DON’T END WHEN THE INCIDENT ENDS.
The period following a home invasion may involve medical, legal, practical and emotional challenges.
SEEK HELP
Contact emergency services, follow instructions from responders and obtain medical assistance for anyone injured.
REPORT THE INCIDENT
Cooperate with law enforcement, provide accurate information and seek qualified legal assistance where appropriate.
LOOK AFTER YOUR FAMILY
Emotional reactions after a frightening incident are common. Professional counselling and support networks may help with recovery.
CHAPTER 06 / USEFUL RESOURCES
HELP, INFORMATION AND FURTHER READING.
Keep a list of relevant emergency contacts and local support organisations. Check that telephone numbers and services are current in your area.
SAFETY & COMMUNITY
South African Police Service (SAPS)
Contact your local Community Policing Forum or neighbourhood watch.
MEDICAL & EMERGENCY SUPPORT
Save relevant emergency numbers on your phone and keep a printed copy accessible at home.
YOUR COMPLIMENTARY FORTIS RESOURCES
KEEP THE KNOWLEDGE.
PUT IT TO USE.
Download the complete Home Invasion Protection Guide or listen to the Deep Dive podcast. Revisit the information, discuss it with your family and take practical steps to improve your preparedness.
CONTINUE YOUR FORTIS JOURNEY
KNOWLEDGE IS THE START. PREPARATION IS ONGOING.
Explore FORTIS training programmes and learn how structured, instructor-led education can help you develop practical skills, sound judgement and confidence.
FORTIS PRO ACTIVE DEFENCE
FORTIS TRAINING COURSES
Our instructors bring experience from the SANDF, SAPS, UK military and specialist fields. From fundamentals through to advanced training, every Fortis course is built around practical skills, quality instruction and progression.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERThis guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, professional security advice or a guarantee of safety. Laws, circumstances and security risks vary. Consult qualified legal, security and emergency-service professionals where appropriate. The information should be reviewed for accuracy and currency before being relied upon.