The Presiding Officers of Parliament have condemned the violent criminal attack on three Members of Parliament from the Democratic Alliance, who were assaulted on Tuesday afternoon while returning from an oversight visit in Nyanga, Cape Town.
The three are Police Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Ian Cameron, Nicholas Gotsell and Lisa Schickerling.
According to the police, the MPs were driving back from an unannounced inspection of the SAPS Philippi Training Academy when their vehicle was ambushed.
The MPs’ vehicle windows were broken with bricks, while they were brutally assaulted.
The motive for the attack is not yet known.
Gotsell and Cameron sustained serious injuries, while Schickerling escaped with minor injuries.
“The Presiding Officers express deep concern, noting that such shocking acts of criminality not only endanger the lives of elected representatives and members of the public but also undermine parliament’s constitutional duty to hold organs of state accountable through oversight.
Parliament conveys heartfelt wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the affected members.
Law enforcement authorities are called upon to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice,” said parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo.
Meanwhile, Cameron said he sustained some injuries, including a few stitches and dental damage, but nothing life-threatening.
“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,” wrote Cameron in a post on X.
Police said two teenagers, aged 16 and 18, have been arrested in connection with the attack.
