{"product_id":"koevoet-kavango-z4f-shield-patch-embroidered-newer-style-original","title":"Koevoet Kavango Z4F Shield Patch — Embroidered Newer Style (Original)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA genuine, \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal\u003c\/strong\u003e and extremely rare \u003cstrong\u003eKoevoet Kavango Z4F\u003c\/strong\u003e unit shield patch from the South African Bush War era. This is the \u003cstrong\u003elater production embroidered variant\u003c\/strong\u003e — featuring raised, high-quality stitching throughout. Olive green shield with black border and white inner trim, displaying the iconic \u003cstrong\u003eCasspir armoured vehicle\u003c\/strong\u003e at centre with unit designation \u003cstrong\u003eKOEVOET \/ KAVANGO \/ Z4F\u003c\/strong\u003e. Not a reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTwo versions of this patch were produced during the unit's operational life — this is the \u003cstrong\u003enewer embroidered style\u003c\/strong\u003e, distinguishable by its crisper raised stitching and brighter finish compared to the earlier woven variant.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKoevoet\u003c\/strong\u003e (Afrikaans for 'crowbar') was the SADF's elite counter-insurgency unit operating in South West Africa (now Namibia) during the Border War. The Kavango Z4F unit patrolled the Kavango region along the Okavango River — one of the most contested operational areas of the conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFollowing the end of apartheid and Namibian independence, the unit was disbanded and \u003cstrong\u003emost uniforms, insignia, and unit items were deliberately destroyed or lost\u003c\/strong\u003e. Original unit patches are among the rarest survivals of 20th century African military history. \u003cstrong\u003eThis is an original piece, not a replica.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Original embroidered shield patch — newer production style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnit: Kavango Z4F, Koevoet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCentre image: Casspir armoured vehicle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEra: South African Bush War \/ Border War\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthenticity: Original — not a reproduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCondition: Collectible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Blade Tactical","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46155472437308,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/1385\/9388\/files\/IMG_5536.jpg?v=1789303696","url":"https:\/\/bladetactical.store\/products\/koevoet-kavango-z4f-shield-patch-embroidered-newer-style-original","provider":"Blade Tactical","version":"1.0","type":"link"}