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Cape Town Teen Arrested After Attempted Hijacking of Ian Cameron and DA Colleagues
Western Cape police have confirmed a second arrest in the attempted hijacking that targeted Parliament’s Police Portfolio Committee Chairperson Ian Cameron and two fellow DA members. The incident, which unfolded on a busy Cape Town road earlier this week, has shone a harsh spotlight on crime in the city’s townships and the risks faced by political leaders on oversight duty.
A Night of Police Work
Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa announced on Wednesday morning that a 16-year-old suspect was arrested in Browns Farm during an overnight operation. He has been charged with attempted hijacking and attempted murder.
This follows the earlier arrest of an 18-year-old suspect, who was taken into custody at a hospital in Lentegeur on Tuesday evening after seeking medical help for a gunshot wound sustained during the attack. He remains under police guard.
According to investigators, a third suspect is still at large. Initial reports suggest that three men were involved in the attempted hijacking.
The Attack on Philippi East
The drama unfolded on Eisleben and Govan Mbeki Road in Philippi East on Tuesday afternoon. Cameron was travelling with DA colleagues Nicholas Gotsell and Lisa-Maré Schickerling after completing an oversight visit at the police training college.
Traffic had slowed to a crawl when three men struck, hurling bricks at their vehicle and smashing multiple windows. “Lisa said something doesn’t feel lekker, and moments later the windows shattered,” Cameron later recounted. The group managed to speed off to safety at a nearby filling station.
Injuries and Aftermath
Although nothing was stolen, all three sustained minor injuries. Cameron required stitches and dental treatment, Schickerling suffered a head injury, and Gotsell is recovering from other non-serious wounds.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Cameron reflected, “This was a serious and deliberate attack, and it underscores the risks faced during oversight work. But incidents like this will not deter us… Tonight I was able to sit down with my family for dinner, and for that we are eternally grateful. Dankie Jesus!”
His message has since been widely shared, with supporters expressing relief and concern in equal measure.
Calls for Action
DA Chief Whip George Michalakis used the incident to press for better policing resources in Philippi and other crime-hit areas. “This is not just about a political leader being attacked. It highlights what ordinary South Africans face daily in crime hotspots,” he said, urging Police Minister Feroz Cachalia to act.
Bigger Picture
Cape Town continues to battle violent crime in areas like Philippi, Nyanga, and Khayelitsha, which regularly feature among the country’s highest crime statistics. The attempted hijacking of senior political figures has amplified existing concerns about safety, accountability, and the ability of law enforcement to protect both citizens and leaders.
For now, two suspects remain in custody, a third is being pursued, and a shaken but resolute Cameron insists that oversight work will continue.
Also read: Bail on Hold: Germiston Women Stay Behind Bars After Eviction Unrest
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Source: The Citizen
Featured Image: MSN
