Bricks fly as contractors help victim

What was supposed to be an ordinary day for construction workers on site at Kloof Road on Saturday, May 6, instead turned into a scene from an action movie.

There was a stand-off between construction workers from CT Building Contractors and five armed, suspected hijackers.

Bullets, rocks and bricks flew.

No price too high to save a life

In the end, Dino Salgado’s (19) car was saved, while the suspects sped off with a smashed windscreen and broken mirrors.

After arriving on Kloof Road just before 1pm, Salgado noticed that he was being followed by one of his favourite cars, a blue Golf 7 R.

“I put my foot down a little harder on the accelerator. I turned into the big gate. They didn’t chase me, they drove past my house and then turned back and followed me into my driveway,” explained Salgado.

In the yard, located on the slope, are five houses with a security guard at the entrance.

“After the gate opened, the guard came out of the security house and I drove up the driveway. One of the guys hopped out of the car and then I knew something was wrong,” Salgado said.

The 19-year-old sped into his garage.

Deaf hero runs 188km to help deaf boy

“I was nervous, my mom and I pressed all the panic buttons, we also told the gardener and his wife to come inside. I thought they were coming in behind me.”

Salgado later learnt that the suspects hurled insults at the security guard and that was when he made a run for it.

One of the suspects jumped out of the vehicle with a firearm in hand, while the other suspects in the car drove towards Salgado’s house.

“Next to my house construction work was taking place; the workers from the elevated position saw what was happening. As the car drove towards my house, they started pelting the car with half bricks and rocks,” said Salgado.

“We started hearing shouting and shots being fired,” he added.

In an attempt to flee the shower of bricks and rocks, the suspects reversed towards the entrance but the gate had closed behind them.

“Our gate is around four metres high. They pushed it and eventually managed to open it.

The five escaped with a damaged vehicle.

Salgado said he wished to thank the construction workers for their bravery.

“No one forced them to help me. They stuck their neck out for a complete stranger and I am forever grateful for what they did,” he said.

It is alleged that four cartridges were found on the scene.

The heroes have been applauded by the community for their heroic act.

Everyone can be a hero

“My dad is buying the guys KFC and will also give them each a monetary gift to thank them. The construction company is also having a braai for them and Pizza del Forno will be giving them each a pizza,” he said.

Bedfordview ward councillor Jill Humphreys has also organised a collection and a bank account has been opened, where donations have been sent in to reward the heroes.

Capt Andrè de Jager, from the Bedforview SAPS, said a criminal case had not been opened with the police.

Also Read: No price too high to save a life