‘Dankie Jesus’ DA MPs escape hijack hell in Cape Town

Posted on August 20, 2025
30

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.

No belongings were stolen, but Ian and his colleagues Nicholas Gotsell and Lisa-Maré Schickerling sustained minor injuries.

“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).

“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.

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.

“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.

 

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Also see: Hijacking: 7 ways to avoid becoming a statistic