Teen suspects in Philippi attack on DA MPs abandon bail application

Two teenagers, Lisolethu Klaas, 18, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named due to his minor status, have abandoned their bail application following serious charges of attempted hijacking and attempted murder involving three DA MPs.

The pair made their second appearance at the Athlone Magistrate's Court on Thursday, where the case was postponed to September 25 for further investigation.

Both individuals remain in custody as authorities continue to probe the incident.

The pair were arrested following an attack on August 19 near the intersection of New Eisleben and Govan Mbeki Roads in Philippi.

Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson, Ian Cameron, and his colleagues Lisa Schickerling and Nicholas Gotsell were ambushed when bricks were hurled at their vehicle and its windows smashed.

Cameron described the ordeal as “horrific".

“They threw bricks at the vehicle. I managed to hit one of them, but they kept coming back,” he recalled.

“I tried fighting back, and when I looked at Nicholas, his body was on his lap. I took out my gun and shot. I am not sure if I hit anyone. The incident left me with broken teeth, and I had so much blood on my clothes.”

Police said initial reports indicated three suspects were involved.

Police spokesperson, Novela Potelwa, confirmed that detectives from the serious and violent crime unit worked overnight to track down the suspects.

"The 18-year-old was arrested on the evening of the attack after seeking medical treatment at a facility in Lentegeur. It is believed he was shot when one of the victims returned fire. He was admitted to the hospital under police guard."

The 16-year-old was apprehended hours later in Browns Farm, Philippi, and formally charged.

Potelwa said investigators expect a third arrest soon.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus