27 NOVEMBER 2025 (Cape Town) – The Western Cape High Court has dismissed the urgent interdict application brought by Integrated Convoy Protection (ICP) against Open Secrets. The interdict sought to silence Open Secrets and prevent the publication of an article about ICP’s contract to supply armoured vehicles to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ICP became aware of the article when Open Secrets sent a ‘right of reply’ letter, which is standard journalistic practice prior to publication, and sought to interdict its publication rather than respond thereto.
Prior to the hearing, Open Secrets was prevented by the interim order delivered by Acting Judge Cooper from discussing the details of the application or the gag order. That gag is now lifted.
Open Secrets welcomes the order handed down today by Acting Deputy Judge President Erasmus. This is a victory for long-standing journalistic practice, a free media and public interest reporting on alleged wrongdoing.
We trust that this victory sends an important signal to those seeking to conceal their impropriety; our courts will not undermine the democratic principles of transparency and accountability for the sake of commercial and reputational interests, especially where that interest is premised on potentially unlawful conduct.
Efforts to muzzle public-interest journalism endanger everyone’s right to know. Open Secrets will not be cowed by attempts to silence our investigations. We will continue to assert and fulfil our right—and duty—to publish fair, fact-based investigations in the public interest.
We are grateful to our excellent legal team comprised of PowerLaw Africa, Geoff Budlender SC and Sanan Mirzoyev for taking forward our organisational commitment to truth and justice over power and profit. We are equally grateful for the vocal supporters and partner organisations who refused to remain silent about the gag order.
About Open Secrets and PowerLaw Africa
Open Secrets is a non-profit organisation which exposes and builds accountability for private sector economic crimes through investigative research, advocacy, and the law.
PowerLaw Africa is an alliance of public interest law firms providing public interest litigation and legal services for cases and causes that matter in South Africa, Kenya, and around the African continent.
For media comment contact:
Hennie van Vuuren – Director
+27 82 902 1303
Ariella Scher – Head of Legal
+27 83 390 4480
