The firearm used in self-defence in an attack on three Democratic Alliance Members of Parliament earlier this week will be sent for ballistic testing after one of the suspects sustained a gunshot wound.

Lisolethu Klaas,18, did not appear in court on Thursday alongside his 16-year-old co-accused. 

It is alleged that the pair were involved in a smash-and-grab incident involving Ian Cameron, Nicholas Gotsell and Lisa Schickerling.

The trio were on their way back from an oversight to the police training college in Philippi, Cape Town when the incident happened.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said Klaas was shot when one of the vehicle occupants allegedly fired a shot in response to the attack.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila said Klaas will appear in court as soon as he is discharged from 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,” he said

Western Cape police spokesperson, Captain F.C. Van Wyk confirmed that the firearm used in the shooting has been sent for ballistic testing, though further details of the incident cannot be disclosed at this time.

“As part of the broader investigation, a firearm was sent for ballistic testing,” he said.

The other 16-year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court where the matter was postponed to August 28 for a formal bail application.

The pair face charges of attempted murder and attempted hijacking.

According to a statement from Democratic Alliance, Gotsell was hospitalised, but is not in a critical condition.

“Cameron sustained minor injuries. Cameron was able to act quickly and in self-defence to prevent further injury to any of them,” said the DA’s George Michalakis.

Third suspect and fourth suspect

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, confirmed the arrest of a third suspect. He said the suspect was arrested with bloodied clothing, which was reportedly used to stop Klaas’s bleeding.

“We worked very well with the South African Police Services and even the Provincial Police Commissioner was on site, and their swift action and follow-up has allowed for the detention of the three people involved in the attack and a fourth person is still on the run and the search for that person still continues,” he told the SABC.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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