Immigration. She asked my Dad and his friend to identify themselves and they communicated in Afrikaans that they were South African citizens. She then turned towards me and asked ‘what about him’? I then replied in English that I am a South African citizen and to further verify my claim showed her my student card which had my identity number on it. She then replied that this was not good enough and then told me to show her my ID.I told her that it was not on me and she then told me in that case I would have to come with her. She then took me inside one of the shops and threatened to lock me up if I don’t show her my ID. As I live 5 minutes away from the incident my Dad agreed with her and a Mr Martin that he would go fetch my ID and they agreed not to lock me up. While my Dad was gone the lady became very abrasive and said “We can’t wait all day here, you must go to the police station now.” She then instructed the cops to take me. While this was happening one of the cops sarcastically commented ‘we going to put you in a five star hotel now.” One of the other cops then pulled me by the arm and said “you going to jail now”. At this stage I was extremely traumatized and pleaded with him just to wait a minute as my Dad would be here anytime now. He then grabbed me by the scruff of my neck and said “Come” and started pushing me. Before we came to the police van I started to get a panic attack as I am claustrophobic and it was dark as well. I then further pleaded with him but a number of other cops started to surround me, jeer at me and say ‘YOU GOING TO JAIL NOW, PUT HIM IN THE VAN.’ At this stage he grabbed me and pushed me in the van. While inside I was extremely afraid for my well‐being and was emotionally and mentally scared as I have never experienced this in my life. Luckily my Dad managed to arrive on the scene with my identity document and I was told to get out of the van. The thing that hurt me the most was that no remorse was shown by those who treated me unjustly and violated my human rights. While writing this I am still haunted by the experience which I pray doesn’t happen to anyone else. I feel in this New South Africa we are still treated like dirt and this is a violation to my human rights because to be treated like this is uncalled for, I am not a criminal to be treated like this. My family and I were so traumatized by this horrible experienced that they had to rush me to a doctor. I am still feeling sick and I had to skip campus today and stay at home. I have contacted the media regarding this incident and feel that this should be exposed because I am sure there are others that perhaps experienced similar situations, therefore we must prevent them from doing this to other human beings. I humbly request your department to investigate this matter urgently and bring these guys to book. Thanking you, Jainudien Sablay 14th March 2012 iv. Harassment 25