Two teenagers arrested after violent attack on MPs in Philippi
Nicholas Gotsell, DA MP and Member on Security and Justice left with a fractured skull.
Image: Facebook
The police's Serious and Violent Crimes Unit have arrested two teenagers, aged 18 and 16, for the attempted hijacking attack on National Assembly chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron and his two colleagues in Philippi on Tuesday, which saw one of them being left with a fractured skull and a suspect being shot.
The 18-year-old suspect had sought medical help at a facility in Lentegeur soon after the incident and was apprehended.
It is understood a third suspect may have been detained but police have yet to confirm it.
The 18-year-old was allegedly shot by Cameron who defended himself and his colleagues, DA MP Nicholas Gotsell and DA MP Lisa-Maré Schickerling, who were returning from a surprise oversight visit at the Philippi Police Training College when they came under attack with bricks along New Eisleben and Goven Mbeki Roads.
Gotsell was left with a wound in his head and a fractured skull, while Cameron sustained minor injuries to his lips and requires dental surgery.
Schickerling was wounded on the head.
National Assembly chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron and his two colleagues escaped an attempted hijacking and attempted murder during a smash and grab incident in Philippi.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Newspapers.
Police spokesperson, Novela Potelwa, said: “Western Cape Serious and Violent Crime detectives in pursuance of leads in the investigation into an attack on three members of Parliament in Philippi on Tuesday afternoon worked through the night and in the early hours of Wednesday morning effected the arrest of a second suspect. The 16-year-old who was arrested in Browns Farm has since been charged. The suspects face attempted murder and attempted hijacking charges.”
Gotsell said he was happy to be alive.
"During the attack, a brick that was used to smash the window on the side where I was sitting, collided with my head and caused an open wound. Lisa was bruised and took a knock to the head, whilst Ian sustained injuries which had to be stitched up as well as dental damage.
“I have a hole in the head with a fractured skull but fortunate to be alive to tell the tale and to continue the fight.”
Cameron said they would not be deterred and said he defended himself and his colleagues.
“This was a serious and deliberate attack, and it underscores the risks faced during oversight work. But incidents like this will not deter us. We remain determined to carry out our responsibility to ensure accountability and safety.”
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