Ian Cameron on hijacking attempt: ‘I did what I needed to do to defend us’

Mike Wills (in for John Maytham on CapeTalk) speaks with Ian Cameron, National Assembly Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police.

Listen below:

Cameron was among the MPs who were attacked while leaving an oversight visit in Philippi on Tuesday 19 August.

Cameron says they initially thought it was a smash-and-grab, but it quickly turned extremely violent, with all three in the car being injured in the attack.

He was able to thwart the attack by firing a gunshot in self-defence, which injured one of the suspects.

He says he saw that Nicholas Gotsell, who was sitting next to him, was bleeding profusely and the attackers had broken into the side of the car where Lisa-Maré Schickerling was sitting.

“I realised that if we did not do something and get out of there, we might not make it out alive.”

- Ian Cameron, National Assembly Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police

This shot helped the police track down the suspects and make arrests in this case.

The officers searched hospitals for those seeking treatment for gunshot wounds and were able to arrest two suspects, aged 16 and 18, as a result.

Cameron says he was able to remain composed during the attack because he received extensive firearm training.

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“I did what I needed to do to defend us.”

- Ian Cameron, National Assembly Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police

He says he does prefer to carry a firearm when possible, and believes lawfully armed citizens are an asset to the country.

Scroll up to the audio player for more.