South African MPs Ian Cameron and Nicholas Gotsell testified in court about the alleged brick attack that left them with serious injuries. The attack occurred in Philippi East last year, during an oversight visit by the National Assembly's Portfolio Committee on Police. Cameron, the committee's chairperson, and Gotsell, a DA NCOP member for security and justice, were ambushed with bricks while in their vehicle. The incident left Gotsell with a cracked skull and other injuries, while Cameron had to undergo dental surgery.
The two MPs appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court to provide testimony for the aggravation of sentencing against two teenagers accused of the attack. Lisolethu Klaas, 18, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, are facing charges of attempted hijacking and attempted murder. The State aims to prove that the duo attacked the MPs and their colleagues, including DA spokesperson on police, Lisa Schickerling, who was also wounded during the incident.
During the testimony, Cameron recounted the traumatic experience, describing how he and his colleagues were trapped in slow-moving traffic while the attackers approached their vehicle from different sides, armed with bricks. He shared that they were struck repeatedly through the windows and that the attackers continued trying to gain access to the vehicle. Cameron also described the moment Gotsell was stoned, and he believed his colleague might have died due to the severity of his injuries.
Gotsell, who was still reliving the moment of the attack, shared his experience, stating that the minor accused had explained how he saw the car with white occupants and saw an opportunity to attack them with bricks and rob them. The two MPs' testimonies aimed to showcase the aftermath of crimes such as these, highlighting the human impact of the attack. They emphasized that the incident was not simply an attempted theft or damage to a vehicle but sustained violence against the people inside the car.
The attack had serious physical and psychological consequences for the MPs. Cameron suffered broken teeth, and both his lips were split through, while Gotsell had a fractured skull and a severed artery, and lost consciousness. Schickerling was also struck during the attack. The MPs' testimonies were crucial in ensuring that the court fully understands the human impact of what happened.
Cameron managed to discharge his firearm in self-defence, wounding one attacker before they fled. The sentencing process will now continue. The social worker's report was submitted for mitigation and aggravation of sentencing, and as one of the accused is a minor, proceedings were held in camera. The court heard that the attack was a premeditated act, with the accused targeting the vehicle due to its occupants.
The case has been postponed for a plea, with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson confirming the postponement in June. The testimonies of Cameron and Gotsell provided a detailed account of the traumatic experience, highlighting the severity and sustained nature of the violence they faced during the attack. The court will consider their testimonies during the sentencing process.
Key points
- The attack on the MPs was a premeditated act, with the accused targeting the vehicle due to its occupants.
- The incident left the MPs with serious physical and psychological injuries, including a cracked skull and broken teeth.
- The sentencing process will now continue, with the court considering the testimonies of Cameron and Gotsell.
