Police take swift action following violent assault on MPs in Philippi
Ian Cameron Nicolas Godsell and Lisa Schickerling injured after a smash and grab attack in Philipphi.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Media
The escalating threat of violence in South Africa took centre stage this week when three Members of Parliament were attacked in a brazen incident in Philippi on Tuesday afternoon.
Notably among the victims was Ian Cameron, the Chairperson of the Police Portfolio Committee. In response to this alarming act, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has issued an urgent directive to intensify efforts in tracking down the perpetrators responsible for this egregious assault.
General Masemola has urged the Western Cape Provincial Commissioner to deploy the Provincial Serious Violent Crime (SVC) investigators to work relentlessly to apprehend those involved.
Portfolio Committee on Police Chairperson Ian Cameron, together with colleagues Lisa Schickerling and Nicholas Gotsell, 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.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media
In a statement condemning the attack, he remarked, “This criminal act, which targeted Members of Parliament, is a direct attack on the safety of citizens and will not be tolerated.”
The General stressed that the SAPS is mobilising all available resources to hunt down and bring the criminals to justice. He issued a stern warning to those involved in serious and violent crimes: the SAPS is determined to use the full extent of the law against them.
In a show of proactive policing, SAPS members were able to swiftly arrest one suspect on Tuesday evening shortly after the incident.
This suspect, who had sustained injuries during the attack, was apprehended while seeking medical attention at a facility in Lentegeur. Currently, he remains under police guard in hospital as investigations continue.
Highlighting the ongoing issues of gang-related crimes in the Western Cape, General Masemola reiterated that enhancing safety in communities and bolstering business confidence is paramount.
“We urge community members to stand together with the police by providing reliable information that can lead to the swift arrest of suspects still at large,” he stated. It is clear that SAPS is elevating operational and intelligence-led strategies to tackle gang-related activities in the region.
IOL