DA MPs attacked in Nyanga on Tuesday afternoon faced a terrifying ordeal when their vehicle came under fire during an oversight visit. Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police Ian Cameron, MP Nicholas Gotsell, and MP Lisa Schickerling travelled through Philippi when chaos erupted.
At the corner of Eisleben and Govan Mbeki roads, suspects hurled bricks at their car. The impact shattered the windows and injured both Cameron and Gotsell. Gotsell suffered a head wound, while Cameron broke teeth and sustained cuts to his face. Paramedics treated them immediately after the assault.
MPs Recount Terrifying Ordeal
Cameron described the attack as “horrific.” He explained that he fought Cameron described the attack as “horrific.” He explained that he fought back in self-defence as the assailants advanced, which was part of the ordeal for DA MPs in Nyanga.
“They threw bricks at the vehicle. I took out my gun and shot. I am not sure if I hit one,” he said.
Gotsell said the attack reminded him of the constant crime on the Cape Flats.
“It is a reminder of why I do what I do — to fight for safer communities,” he explained.
Nevertheless, he stressed that he believed the incident was opportunistic rather than politically motivated.
Swift Police Response and Arrests
Police reacted quickly after the attack. Officers tracked down a suspect in Lentegeur when he sought medical help for his injuries. Soon afterwards, they also arrested an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old. National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola welcomed the swift arrests and promised more intelligence-driven operations to curb gang violence.
Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that authorities opened cases of attempted murder and attempted hijacking. He emphasised how the DA MPs attacked in Nyanga narrowly escaped with their lives only because they managed to defend themselves and flee.
Calls for Safer Communities
Nyanga Community Policing Forum chairperson Dumisani Qwebe strongly condemned the violence. He pointed to ongoing safety measures such as installing CCTV cameras to deter future incidents and ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, DA Chief Whip George Michalakis warned that the attack highlighted South Africa’s broader crime crisis. “It is a portrayal of the out-of-control crime that South Africans face on a daily basis, and no one is exempt from it,” he said.
Ultimately, the recent attack on DA MPs showed the urgent need to strengthen policing, invest in community safety, and protect residents across the Cape Flats, especially after the incident in Nyanga.
