Bez Valley residents feel unsafe after shoot-out

According to residents, Bezuidenhout Valley, has become a ‘no-go’ area as crime is escalating.

Residents expressed this view following a shoot-out been the police and the occupants of a blue BMW last night.

Mr Tony Jardim, a resident, said he heard gun shots just before 10pm. “I went to see what was happening. The shooting happened at 5th Street and North Avenue. Two occupants of the BMW opened fire at the police vehicle after officers ordered them to stop to conduct a search,” said Mr Jardim.

Mr Jardim commended the police for their work. “The police need safety measures though to deal with criminals because the criminals have shown that they have no fear for the law.

How daring are these criminals? They want to show that they have no fear for the police, and they are in charge. As residents, we say no to that. Thank God our policemen are safe,” he added.

Mr Jardim urged the community to be vigilant because he has seen the BMW a number of times driving around the Bez Valley area.

The two occupants in the blue BMW were allegedly seen trying to hijack an Audi Q7 before the shoot-out.

Mr Jardim also said residents believe the occupants of the following vehicles are armed and he again urged residents to be vigilant. The vehicles include a black BMW, a blue BMW and a taxi that has a Limpopo registration number. These vehicles have been seen in the area. Mr Jardim warned the community not to approach the cars but to contact the police immediately.

Numerous attempts by the EXPRESS to obtain confirmation on the above, as reported by residents, from the Jeppe SAPS spokesperson since 8am, were unsuccessful.