CPF warns against supporting beggers
Officers from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and the SAPS also attended the meeting and raised the issue of beggers and windscreen washers at intersections in the area.
The Bedfordview Community Police Forum (CPF) held its monthly meeting at Hall Real Estate on Van Buuren Road on Saturday, August 23.
The Bedfordview CPF chairperson, Mr Gavin Henry, welcomed those who attended.
The meeting provided information on victim support reports, police reports on the various sectors and a general report.
Officers from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) and the SAPS also attended the meeting and raised the issue of beggers and windscreen washers at intersections in the area.
“It is, and always has been, the official request from the EMPD, SAPS and Bedfordview CPF that the community please stop supporting these people at intersections. It is illegal and against the bylaws to be at the intersections,” said Mr Henry.
“These people are regularly arrested and taken away to safe houses where they can receive help. It has also been the case that R200 notes are found in their pockets, with such benefits, one can clearly understand why they keep coming back. We are now seeing some cases of open aggression being shown to motorists, like spitting and banging on cars, as well as threatening drivers with knives,” he said.
Mr Henry urged residents to support those who are in need by calling the Bedfordview CPF office on 011 450-4376. Residents will then be told the details of soup kitchens that feed homeless people daily.
“Please understand and accept that by supporting these people we are not putting food on their table, we are in fact supporting their drug habits and illegal activity,” said Mr Henry.
He also used the meeting to remind residents that house robberies increase as the year-end draws nearer.
“We are heading towards the end of the year and in the past, home invasions have increased dramatically at this time of the year. Please remain vigilant and never leave your gate open, not even if your gardener or garden service is cutting the pavement lawn,” said Mr Henry. @BedfordJourno
I completely agree that the windscreen washers should not be given any money by motorists. What needs to be understood however is that these window washers ply their illegal trade under all kinds of pressures. They can sense that they are not welcome in the intersection and they can also sense opposition from many motorists. They are also under pressure from competition amongst themselves. They are also under the pressure of constant fear of police and arrest. Now these pressures can sometimes boil over during an eight hour shift, and this is the reason why some of these washers are so volatile! All it requires for a situation to turn violent is an angry and confrontational motorist! That provides the spark that ignites the fuel! That’s why motorists need to understand that being as passive as possible is the key to safety. I’m not saying motorists must give them money, not at all. All I’m saying is that motorists must be choose safe and correct ways of evading the “services” offered by the window washers! If the wrong way is chosen, violence might erupt. Remember, these guys are even more tense and frustrated then you are. Exercise caution.