Maverick Hammond from Secunda is recognised for national crime combating
“I have been doing this for most of my life. My priority is to serve and protect people.”
In a ceremony that was held at the Bidvest Protea Coin Gijima Training Academy on Thursday, October 14, a medal of meritorious services for national crime combating and going above the call of duty was awarded to Mr Maverick Hammond.
“Although this is a huge achievement, it is not my greatest,” said Mr Hammond of MavCorp.
He said training his guys in specialised tactics and seeing his guys obtaining medals of excellence and valour is a huge achievement.
Mr Hammond explained how one of his members were on their way to Cape Town and at a petrol station he came across a group of four men who were card scamming a woman.
“Without hesitation, he single-handedly arrested every one of them even though they were armed with illegal firearms,” said Mr Hammond.
He said it was due to the training his guys received and that, on its own, is his greatest achievement.
Hosted by Bidvest Protea Coin, the ceremony was attended by key figures from the Hawks, the police’s national commander for crime prevention and the minister of Psira.
“It was great. There was so much expertise present. It was fantastic to also see people I have not seen in 20 years,” said Mr Hammond.
He said when he listened to others’ stories of how they had been shot and injured in the line of duty while protecting and saving lives and also apprehending suspects, it is a humbling feeling to have received this medal.
“I have been doing this for most of my life. My priority is to serve and protect people.
“I live by the saying: Never say no and always get involved.”
Mr Hammond grew up during the Angolan War with his father being a professional soldier for the Fort Bragg Green Barrage.
“When going to school, there were times we would drive with military vehicles because of all the landmines and attacks. I never doubted that this is what I wanted to do,” said Mr Hammond.
His family moved to South Africa when Mr Hammond’s grandfather had lost his construction company in Zimbabwe and ended up in Musina. Mr Hammond joined the military in 1989 and later left the military intelligence service in 2014.
He formed part of the reserve forces and later got involved with a private security company of which his duties were to protect VIP personalities such as Jon Bon Jovi, Snoop Dog, Rihanna and Ne-Yo but to name a few.
Mr Hammond launched his own security company in 2017 called MavCorp.
According to Mr Hammond, what makes MavCorp different from other security companies is that they are also registered EMS.
Because of political reasons, MavCorp no longer has their ambulances in service, however, they provide first aid training.
“If you want something done, come to me. If I can’t help, I will find someone who can help you,” said Mr Hammond.
He works closely with the police and other security forces.
Mr Hammond said it is an emotional feeling to have received such an award and recognition.
“What I do, I do because I am passionate. I never expect a pat on the shoulder. If I can walk away from a scene that was heavy and ended off well, that is enough. No money can buy that.
“The greatest reward is when the person you saved or the person you helped, comes and says thank you afterwards,” said an emotional Mr Hammond.
He does what he needs to do and leaves until the next time he is needed again and that for him is enough.
“I am privileged and have had a good life till now. I have faced many situations, heartbreaking situations, and yet every time I grow and learn how to handle and approach situations better.”
Mr Hammond said his biggest support is his wife, Ms Melané Hammond.
“I have a brilliant wife and children whom I love so much. My wife is such an attribute to MavCorp. She is strong-willed and has so much love to give.
“When I leave behind my loved ones to resolve someone else’ duress or crisis, it is the best feeling when I get back home that they are so happy to see me,” concluded Mr Hammond.