A South African MP, Ian Cameron, has been lauded for his bravery after he opened fire in self-defense during a violent attack by a gang on him and two colleagues in Cape Town.
The incident occurred when their vehicle was ambushed in the township of Philippi, with assailants smashing the car’s windows with bricks and injuring Cameron and his colleagues, Nicholas Gotsell and Lisa Schickerling. Cameron, who chairs the police committee, retaliated by firing his gun, injuring one of the attackers.
Two teenagers, aged 16 and 18, have been arrested in connection with the attempted murder and hijacking. Cameron suffered broken teeth and a cut lip, while Gotsell was briefly hospitalized after being hit on the head.
The Democratic Alliance party described the attack as evidence of how “out-of-control” crime is in South Africa, a country grappling with high rates of violence and murder.
This incident highlights the growing concern over crime in South Africa, where hijackings and violent attacks are common occurrences.
According to the national police commissioner, over 4,973 hijackings were reported in 2021, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year.
