The shocking treatment of the Arington family during a National Intervention Unit (NIU) raid in Nelson Mandela Bay’s Northern Areas has raised serious questions about the conduct and accountability of the NIU since its deployment to the Eastern Cape.
Yesterday, I visited the family and witnessed firsthand the trauma they endured during the two-hour assault. The DA strongly condemns the actions of the NIU members, who reportedly disrespected religious beliefs, assaulted family members, and left a community traumatised by their behaviour. This is an unacceptable violation of the rights of ordinary citizens, and swift accountability is required.
The raid took place at around 4 am on Friday when NIU members, who were not in uniform and wearing balaclavas, forced their way into the home of Hafiz Aadil Arington, an Imam and Hifz teacher at his local mosque. The officers were reportedly searching for the imam’s son. They subjected the family to horrific treatment, including the physical assault of his wife, his 19-year-old daughter, and his 8- and 13-year-old sons. The 13-year-old, who is a renal patient, and the 8-year-old were subject to harassment and intimidation that is tantamount to child abuse.
It is alleged that Islamophobic slurs were used by the officers during the raid, further compounding the family’s trauma. In an egregious act of disrespect, SAPS officers reportedly threw a copy of the Qur’an to the ground, together with other religious texts, while telling the family, “F**k you and your prayers.” Such a violation of religious respect and dignity is deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democratic society.
Hafiz Aadil, a peaceful and respected community leader, has since been arrested. I visited him at the Gelvandale Police Station and am deeply troubled by his treatment. The trauma caused by this raid has left the family seeking medical attention for their physical and emotional injuries.
The DA calls for an urgent investigation into this incident. I will report the matter to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). In addition, I will also engage with the chairperson of the parliamentary committee on police, Ian Cameron, to request oversight of this investigation.
The NIU’s actions highlight a disturbing trend among certain elements of SAPS, where power is abused, and citizens are treated as enemies rather than the people they are sworn to protect.
The people of the Northern Areas, already dealing with the scourge of gang violence, cannot afford to lose trust in the police. Law enforcement agencies must work alongside communities to combat crime and restore order, not contribute to the fear and trauma experienced by residents.
NIU members must engage with the communities they serve in a collaborative, respectful manner if they hope to make meaningful progress in tackling gang violence in the region.
The DA will closely monitor the investigation with IPID. This incident must serve as a turning point, reminding SAPS that no officer is above the law and that their duty is to protect, not victimise, South African citizens. The rights of every South African, regardless of their religious beliefs or background, must be respected.
The DA stands with the Arington family and all communities who have suffered abuse at the hands of SAPS. We will not rest until justice is served, and we will continue to fight for a police service that upholds the values of our democracy—one that respects and protects every individual in South Africa.
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