Windscreen washers stoke residents’ ire
The Gauteng Department of Community Safety and the Cleveland SAPS are aware that windscreen washers are still trying their luck in Bruma and officials are trying to find a permanent solution.
The number of windscreen washers operating at the Marcia Street, Albertina Sisulu Road and Allum Road intersection has decreased over the past few months, but the Cleveland SAPS’s aim is to stop them from operating there permanently.
The windscreen washers show complete disregard for the law and keep a watchful eye on police officers. When police officers leave during shift change, or to attend to another crime, the windscreen washers return to intimidate motorists.
Clr Alison van der Molen, ward 118, recently commended the police and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) but said more needed to be done.
“Windscreen washers are operating at the intersection at night. This could lead to other serious problems and crimes. Something has to be done,” she said.
Captain Peter Ramodisa, from the Cleveland SAPS, previously stated that officers are working with the JMPD and are considering their options.
At a recent Cleveland Community Police Forum (CCPF) meeting, Colonel Bongani Dlamini, the Cleveland SAPS station commander, urged the community to make suggestions regarding possible solutions. He said the windscreen washers were just as frustrating to him as they are to other motorists.
Months ago, Mr Thapelo Moiloa, the spokesperson for Nonhlanhla Faith Mazibuko, the member of the executive council (MEC) for community safety in Gauteng, said the department would ensure steps are taken to address the windscreen washer problem.
Mr Moiloa said the department was investigating the possibility of deploying patrollers to prevent further bylaw contraventions and serious crimes committed by the windscreen washers.
Last week, Mr Moiloa said, “Patrollers were sent to the intersection to have a look and see how best to address the problem. However, they were not monitored. That would mean they did not do their job or the windscreen washers waited for them to leave. We are looking at other initiatives. We will communicate with JMPD to ensure the bylaws are implemented,” said Mr Moiloa.
He also said the department will communicate with Gauteng traffic police officers. “They can work with the JMPD. We are looking at other alternatives,” said Mr Moiloa.
He added that discussions will also take place between the department and the Cleveland SAPS to find a way to deal with the windscreen washers during shift change.
“Maybe police officers should wait for the next person to come on duty before leaving the intersection,” he said.
