Violent smash-and-grab attack leaves DA MPs injured in Philippi

National Assembly chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron and his two colleagues became victims of a smash-and-grab incident in Philippi near the training college on Tuesday, which left one of them wounded.

Cameron, along with DA MP Nicholas Gotsell and DA MP Lisa-Maré Schickerling, were travelling near the intersection of New Eisleben and Govan Mbeki Roads when unknown suspects broke the windows of their vehicle and began throwing bricks at them.

Provincial police commissioner, Thembisile Patekile and Major-General Bongani Maqashalala, also arrived at the scene.

Cameron told the Cape Argus shortly after the incident that he was okay and escaped harm while his colleague had to be rushed to hospital via an ambulance after a brick was flung against him.

He sustained injuries to his mouth while Gotsell was wounded on the head.

Cameron said they came under attack moments after leaving the training college for an oversight visit, when they were ambushed by three men.

“Three guys came with bricks and it is a mess.”

He described the attack as “horrific”.

“They threw bricks at the vehicle. I managed to hit one of them, but they kept coming back. I tried fighting back, and when I looked at Nicholas, his body was on his lap. I took out my gun and shot. I am not sure if I hit anyone. The incident left me with broken teeth, and I had so much blood on my clothes,” said Cameron. 

When Independent Newspapers photographer Ayanda Ndamane arrived at the scene, it was actively being controlled by a swarm of police officers and officials.

Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, the group escaped being hijacked.

"Western Cape Serious and Violent Crimes are investigating a case of attempted murder and attempted hijacking following an incident on August 19, where Members of Parliament came under attack in the Philippi East area when unknown suspects threw a stone and brick into their vehicle on the corner of Eisleben and Govan Mbeki Roads.

"Preliminary report suggest they both suffered injuries to the face and head. It is not clear if items were taken from them. Investigations continues and no arrest has been made as yet.

"Anyone with information about this incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App. Information will be treated as highly confidential."

George Michalakis, DA Chief Whip in Parliament, condemned the attack: “Gotsell was hospitalised, but is not in a critical condition, and Cameron sustained minor injuries. Cameron was able to act quickly and in self defence to prevent further injury to any of them. This incident is a portrayal of the out-of-control crime that South Africans face on a daily basis and no-one is exempt from it."

Additional reporting by Mandilakhe Tshwete 

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