DA THUGS GEVANG

TWO laaities have been arrested following the attack on Democratic Alliance (DA) MPs in an attempted smash and grab incident in Browns Farm, Philippi on Tuesday.

During an oversight visit in Philippi East, Ian Cameron, Nicholas Gotsell and Lisa Schickerling came under attack inside their vehicle at Eisleben and Govan Mbeki Road.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said Western Cape serious and violent crimes detectives worked throughout the evening and early hours of Wednesday morning for leads in the investigation into the attack of three MPs.

Potelwa reported: “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.”

A second suspect, aged 16 was arrested in Browns Farm and has since been charged.

Potelwa added that initial reports of the crime incident indicate that the attack was made by three male suspects.

The investigation continues with another arrest expected to be made and while the arrested suspects face attempted murder and attempted hijacking charges.

Gotsell said in a statement that the brick hit with his head causing an open wound while Schickerling was bruised following a knock on her head and Cameron sustained injuries including dental damage.

However he added that they were all fine.

He stated: “This was not just an attack. It was an attack on police oversight and the will of the people and their representatives to build safer communities. 

“This was not a deterrent; it was a reminder of the aggression and brutality that our communities are faced with every day. We will continue to do the work we were elected to do – in all our communities.”

When Cameron was asked about the motive for the attack, he said: "I think it was likely just another hijacking accident although I have a lot of conspiracies since yesterday and of course the investigation has to take its course."

He told the Daily Voice his teeth were fixed and that when they reached out for assistance they did not pull the MP card and services arrived on the scene swiftly.

Cameron says: "I understand the frustration I am the first person to know the frustration of police on ground level, but no one knew that it was us calling for help and their response (local) was phenomenal when the first police arrived.

"We understand the policing crisis I have been working in the area for five years so I do get it

"However, myself, Nicholas and Lisa are not going to stop what we do, we are going to stay focused and are determined to keep going forward."