By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Police Services (SAPS) in Western Cape arrested an 18-year-old teen following attack on three Democratic Alliance (DA) Members of Parliament.
Fullview learnt the teen was arrested when he sought medical assistance in Lentegeur.
The Western Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed the arrest.
The first suspect, an 18-year-old male was apprehended on Tuesday evening as he sought medical assistance at a facility in Lentegeur. It is believed he was shot during the attack on the three victims when one of the vehicle occupants allegedly fired a shot in response to the attack. He is currently under police guard in hospital,” Potelwa said.
She added police worked through the night until the early hours of Wednesday morning when the second suspect, a 16-year-old was arrested in Browns Farm and has since been charged.
She said initial reports indicate the attack was perpetrated by three suspects and another arrest is expected soon.
“The suspects face attempted murder and attempted hijacking charges,” Potelwa said.
Ian Cameron, Lisa-Mare Schickerling and Nicholas Gotsell sustained injuries when the window of the car they were in was smashed while returning from their oversight visit in Philippi, Cape Town.
Cameron recounted the moment: “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.”
Gotsell was hospitalised but is not in critical condition, while Cameron sustained minor injuries. Schickerling escaped unharmed.
Cameron said he acted quickly and in self-defence to prevent further harm to his colleagues.
The DA condemned the attack and reiterated the urgent need for improved policing in high-crime areas.
DA Chief Whip George Michalakis said: “This incident is a portrayal of the out-of-control crime that South Africans face daily. No one is exempt from it. We again call on the Minister of Police to properly resource SAPS in crime-ridden areas such as Philippi.”
Michalakis praised the prompt response of the City of Cape Town Metro, the provincial government, police, and emergency medical services, highlighting that their quick intervention helped prevent further harm to the MPs.
Meanwhile the embattled Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya has approached the Gauteng High Court in an urgent bid to return to work.
Sibiya is challenging a directive issued by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, which ordered him to take a leave of absence amid serious allegations of misconduct.
In court papers, Sibiya argues that the directive is unlawful and procedurally flawed, claiming it sidesteps official disciplinary processes.
He is seeking immediate reinstatement to his post, pending the outcome of a judicial inquiry appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The inquiry follows allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, accusing Sibiya of interfering in political murder investigations and colluding with criminal elements.
Sibiya also wants the court to interdict Masemola from pursuing any parallel disciplinary action while the inquiry is ongoing.
*This story has been updated with police statement.