‘Made in Emirates’… Or made in SA? Whistleblower Exposes Armoured Vehicle Scandal

Loading player...
A major whistleblower leak has revealed that armoured vehicles sold across Africa under a flashy “Made in Emirates” badge were in fact designed in South Africa and built by South African staff. According to documents obtained by Open Secrets, the UAE-based factory relied on expertise and exported parts from Cape Town’s Integrated Convoy Protection (ICP). Whether these exports were legally authorised is now the subject of a police investigation, made more urgent by the UAE’s controversial involvement in conflict zones such as Sudan. The exposé comes after ICP secured a three-week High Court gag order to silence the story an order that has now lapsed. Phemelo speaks to Michael Marchant, Head of Investigations at Open Secrets, on what this explosive dossier reveals.
2 Dec 2025 3PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Music Feature: Black Coffee

In this week’s music feature, musicologist Sheldon Rocha Leal reflects on the global impact of Black Coffee, who celebrated his 50th birthday this week. We revisit some
12 Mar 4PM 19 min

Sporong residents confront Human Settlements officials in Randfontein

Tensions are rising in Randfontein after residents from the Sporong informal settlement confronted Human Settlements officials over delayed relocation plans. Hundreds were forced to flee their homes after the area was overrun by illegal miners, known as zama-zamas. Community leaders say only about 40 people have received houses so far,…
12 Mar 4PM 18 min

What to Watch

In this week’s What to Watch, entertainment contributor Leroy Marc shares his latest picks - from the romantic drama Reminders of Him to the theatre production Bru, now showing at Joburg Theatre from the 12th to the 15th of March.
12 Mar 4PM 18 min

Uncertainty over SANDF deployment's mandate in Gauteng

Questions are mounting over the mandate of soldiers deployed in parts of Gauteng. On Wednesday, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) conducted surprise raids alongside police in Eldorado Park, Riverlea, Westbury and Sophiatown, seizing contraband and making arrests. But confusion remains over whether the operation is aimed…
12 Mar 4PM 9 min

Legal Matters: Understanding maintenance

In this week’s Legal Matters, Nthabiseng Dubazana breaks down the different forms of maintenance from child and spousal support to maintenance claims involving siblings. She also tackles some of your pressing legal questions and explains what the law says about who is responsible for supporting whom.
11 Mar 4PM 40 min