Three DA MPs, including Parliament’s Portfolio Committee Chairperson Ian Cameron, survived an attempted hijacking in Cape Town after their car was attacked with bricks while returning from an oversight visit in Philippi East.
“This afternoon, following an oversight visit at the Philippi SAPS training academy close to Philippi East, Nicholas Gotsell MP, Lisa Schickerling and I came under attack,” Ian said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
This afternoon, following an oversight visit at the Philippi SAPS training academy close to Philippi East, Nicholas Gotsell MP, Lisa Schickerling and I came under attack. We are all safe. Nick is receiving treatment, Lisa has a minir head injury, and I sustained some injuries,… pic.twitter.com/UJS62LmzcP
— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) August 19, 2025
“We are all safe. Nick is receiving treatment, Lisa has a minor head injury, and I sustained some injuries, including a few stitches and dental damage, but nothing life-threatening.
“I want to thank everyone who has reached out with messages of support; it means a great deal at a time like this. Our sincere thanks also go to SAPS, the City of Cape Town Metro Police, Metro EMS, CPI and ER24 for their swift and professional response.”
Police arrested one suspect, who was injured during the incident, while two others remain at large.
[BREAKING NEWS] An 18-year-old has been arrested, following an attack on three Democratic Alliance MPs. They came under attack after an oversight visit in Philippi. The chair of Parliament’s police portfolio committee, Ian Cameron, and fellow MPs, Lisa-Maré Schickerling and… pic.twitter.com/qZfYDTM80W
— eNCA (@eNCA) August 19, 2025
SAPS National Commissioner Fannie Masemola condemned the attack as a direct threat to public safety and promised to deploy all resources to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Ian said the attack highlighted the risks MPs face during oversight duties but vowed it would not deter them.
“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.
Cape Town 19-August -2025- Ian Cameron, Nicolas Godsell and Lisa Schickerling injured after smashed and grabbed in Philipphi.
Photographer Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Media#dailyvoice #independentmedia pic.twitter.com/8hLJHSGty2
— Daily Voice (@DailyVoiceSA) August 19, 2025
“We also appreciate the support of colleagues and community members who have stood with us. Tonight I was able to sit down with my family for dinner, and for that we are eternally grateful. Dankie Jesus!!!,” he said.
The DA has since called on Police Minister Feroz Cachalia to allocate more resources to crime-ridden areas like Philippi, stressing that the incident reflects the broader crime crisis affecting South Africans daily.
DA MPs Ian Cameron, Lisa 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. DA chief whip George Michalakis explains.
Watch: https://t.co/EaCrkvNVoa… pic.twitter.com/rMWuEuZdmJ
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 19, 2025
First published by African Insider
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
