‘Hijack’ victim saved by heroic construction workers
A group of 28 builders from CT Building Contractors, based in Atlasville, heroically saved a 19-year-old from being hijacked in his driveway in Bedfordview.
Dino Saldago noticed that he was being followed by a blue Golf 7 R with five occupants, on May 6, before 1pm.
According to him, the hijackers managed to come into his yard and even fired a few shots, but fortunately nobody was injured in the incident.
“Construction workers building houses next to us noticed an armed man getting out the Golf 7 R,” Saldago said.
“They immediately started throwing the vehicle with half-bricks and rocks while screaming, ‘Get out of here, tsotsis!’
“The contractors continued pounding them with rocks even though the gunman opened fire on them.”
The criminals fled the scene in a damaged vehicle.
According to Richard Munro, CT Building Contractors site manager at the time of the incident, the ordeal happened in about five minutes.
“The noise was astronomical; it was a terrible experience and I didn’t know what to expect,” Munro said.
Munro was thankful that all turned out well and applauded the builders for their brave act.
“We are fortunate and proud to have staff like that,” he said.
“As a company, we always stick together and look out for one another and our fellowman. It is scary to think what could have happened.”
He said Saldago’s mother was very grateful towards the group of men who saved her son’s life.
Salgado thanked 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.
The heroes have been applauded by the community for their heroic act.
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, told the Bedfordview and Edenvale News that a criminal case had not been opened with the police.
