The two teenagers arrested for attacking three Democratic Alliance (DA) members of Parliament have made their first court appearance.

On Thursday, the 16-year-old accused appeared alone in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court, where the matter was heard in Court H, which deals with juvenile cases.

The magistrate barred media attendance, stressing that the hearing was a preliminary inquiry.

She said the court still had to confirm the boy’s age and determine whether he would admit to the charges against him.

The matter will be transferred to another courtroom for his next appearance. His co-accused, aged 18, remains in hospital under police guard after being shot and wounded.

The case was postponed to August 28 for a bail application.

The National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, said: “A minor, 16 years old, appeared at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court charged with attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances. His co-accused, Lisolethu Klaas, 18, appeared in absentia as he is in hospital.

“He has been notified of the postponement date and may appear in court as soon as he is discharged from hospital. More charges are likely to be added as the investigation continues. The case has been postponed to 28 August 2025 for bail information.”

The teenagers were arrested after members of Parliament Ian Cameron, Nicholas Gotsell, and Lisa-Maré Schickerling came under attack at the intersection of New Eisleben and Govan Mbeki roads in Philippi on Tuesday afternoon.

The MPs, part of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, had been returning from an unannounced oversight visit to the Philippi Police Training College when they were targeted in an attempted hijacking.

The attackers hurled bricks at the MPs’ vehicle, shattering windows and injuring the occupants. Gotsell sustained the most serious injuries, with an open head wound and fractured skull. Cameron was left with lip injuries requiring stitches and dental surgery, while Schickerling was also struck on the head.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said the suspects were swiftly tracked down.

“Western Cape Serious and Violent Crime detectives, in pursuance of leads in the investigation into the attack on three members of Parliament in Philippi on Tuesday afternoon, worked through the night, and in the early hours of Wednesday morning effected the arrest of a second suspect. The 16-year-old who was arrested in Browns Farm has since been charged. The suspects face attempted murder and attempted hijacking charges,” Potelwa said.

Gotsell told the Cape Argus that he was grateful to have survived the ordeal.

“During the attack, a brick that was used to smash the window on the side where I was sitting, collided with my head and caused an open wound. Lisa was bruised and took a knock to the head, while Ian sustained injuries which had to be stitched up, as well as dental damage.

“I have a hole in the head with a fractured skull, but I’m fortunate to be alive to tell the tale and to continue the fight,” he said.

Cameron vowed that the attack would not deter their work.

He said this was a serious and deliberate attack, and it underscores the risks faced during oversight work.

He added that they remain determined to carry out their responsibility to ensure accountability and safety.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

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