Graph 3- demonstrates the overall amount of people from Limpopo, Western Cape and Gauteng
that were helped by the police in collecting their documents.
In Woodstock, Cape Town, there was a raid on 3March where 250 were arrested.40
Based on information gained from interviews with those who were among the 250
arrested, but not taken to Pollsmoor, we estimated that less than 20 of the initial 250
ended up being transferred to Pollsmoor. Of those inside Pollsmoor, there were still
some asylum seekers and permit holders who had not been released, even though they
had valid documentation. A monitor was able to interview one of the 20 and was then
able to refer him to the UCT Law Clinic where, on the basis of his valid documentation
status, he was released. This clearly demonstrates how frequently these asylum
seekers are victimised and disadvantaged. The situation affects their economic and job
prospects in addition to demoralising and affecting their family and social situations.
Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh, cites a recent case brought to the attention of LHR of a
Tanzanian asylum seeker who, after being brought to Lindela and consulting with LHR,
was deported to Zimbabwe. Kajaal confirmed that “It does happen that they deport
people to the wrong country, most often Zimbabwe and Mozambique, for reasons that
their screening procedures on arrival are not very good.” 41
Box #3 The racial profiling, arrest and harassment of a citizen
Find below the personal account of Jaidudien Sablay, a legal South African citizen who was
unjustifiably questioned and harassed by South African Immigration Officials. Sablay, a
student at the University of Western Cape, was stopped by an immigration official and
demanded he show proof of citizenship. Despite having his UWC identification card and his
father leaving to retrieve the proper documents, Sablay was forcibly placed in the police van,
verbally abused and threatened. Sablay’s traumatizing experience reflects the dangerous
racial profiling tendencies of immigration officials.
To Whom it May Concern:
On Tuesday (13 March 2012) evening at 8.30 pm, myself, Jainudien Sablay, ID No 830911
5163 088, a friend and my father came home from the University of Western Cape, where I
am doing my honours in Industrial Psychology. While walking to the shop in Hazel Road in
Rylands I was stopped by a member of the Special Task Force and Home Affairs
40
Prince, Natasha. “250 held in raid on immigrants.” Cape Argus. 5 Mar 2012.
http://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/250-held-in-raid-on-immigrants-1.1248943
41
Taken from interview with researcher
24
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