The residents of Bedfordview have applauded the bravery and heroism of 28 contract workers who used bricks and rocks to chase off would-be hijackers on Saturday, May 6.
Also read: Bricks fly as contractors help victim
KFC hampers, pizzas, a braai and money are some of the thank you gifts that were given to the heroes of the day.
The incident took place while the contractors-turned-champs were working on site in Kloof Road.
It was a stand-off between them and five armed suspected hijackers.
Bullets, rocks and bricks flew.
It is alleged that four cartridges were found on the scene.
The suspects eventually fled the scene in their car, which sustained a smashed windscreen and broken mirrors in the battle.
The near-victim Dino Salgado (19) and his car were saved.
On the Saturday, after arriving on Kloof Road just before 1pm, Salgado noticed that he was being followed by 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 a 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.
Also read: Kloof Road family tied up during robbery
The 19-year-old sped into his garage.
“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 the suspects were coming in behind me.”
Salgado later learnt that the suspects hurled insults at the security guard and that was when the guard made a run for it.
One of the suspects jumped out of the vehicle with a firearm in hand, while the other suspects drove towards Salgado’s house.
“Construction work was taking place next to my house. The workers from the elevated position saw what was happening. As the car drove towards my house, they started pelting it with half-bricks and rocks,” said Salgado.
“We heard 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.
Also read: Three arrested in Kloof Road shoot-out
Tony Eugenio, the owner of the construction company, said he was very proud of the brave men.
“We are family – the staff have been with me for a while. I’m very proud of the what they did,” he said.
Residents are deeply moved by the heroic act by the champions.
Bedfordview ward councilor Jill Humphreys has organised a collection and and a bank account has been opened where donations have been pouring in for the champs.
An official handover will take place.
Capt Andrè de Jager, from the Bedfordview SAPS, said a criminal case had not been opened with the police.
Call to action – Visit our Facebook page to share your message of commendation for these heroes.
