Despite action from the Cleveland SAPS and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), the battle against windscreen washers continues.
The authorities did take preventative steps since the last article published in the EXPRESS about the windscreen washers operating at a Bruma intersection, but the problems persist.
Sergeant Marius Boolsen, from the JMPD, said a meeting was held with officials at the department and a decision was taken to increase visibility.
Over the past month, operations were held at the Marcia Street, Allum Road and Albertina Sisulu Road intersection.
“We had operations during peak hours. There was a roadblock with crime prevention and the windscreen washers were also dealt with. We confiscated goods belonging to the windscreen washers that were found close by. We have made this intersection a priority. We also allocated a vehicle to this intersection to increase our visibility. Between us, the SAPS and other units we increased action against the windscreen washers and although the problem has not been completely resolved, we are trying our best,” he said.
Following a request for a board warning people about the danger posed in the area and also not to support the windscreen washers, Sgt Boolsen said he was informed that in terms of the law a board cannot be placed there.
He was speaking at a Cleveland Community Police Forum (CCPF) meeting.
Clr Carlos da Rocha, from ward 66, said more action is needed at the intersection because the windscreen washers are still intimidating motorists when the JMPD and the SAPS is not visible at the intersection.
He questioned what authorities are waiting for.
“Are authorities waiting for a body at the intersection or for someone to be hijacked? A woman was stabbed in the hand, someone was hit with a brick and another person was robbed. There are criminals operating at the intersection. We can thank our lucky stars and God that no one has been killed there yet,” he said.
Clr Da Rocha said the windscreen washer problem is creating further problems between him and the community.
“Community members are turning to us to vent their frustration and it is not fair. I understand their frustration but we are becoming punching bags because of other people,” he said.
He said he understands that officers are doing all they can but permanent solutions have to be sought.
Colonel Bongani Dlamini, the Cleveland SAPS station commander, said he is receiving a lot of calls from frustrated motorists.
“I understand their concerns. The windscreen washers are there during the day because their stomachs are empty but they resort to crime at night. I will check with my operations manager how far they are with operations at the intersection. We are trying to be visible at the intersection every day,” he said.
He urged the JMPD to attend to the problem when they are in the area conducting roadblocks. “The windscreen washers are seen operating at the intersection while the JMPD is there. Please attend to the problem while you are there. Let us all work together,” he said.
Sgt Boolsen said they are trying their best to arrest the windscreen washers but they are facing challenges.
“We can improve but right now we are doing the best we can,” he said.
@JoziReporter
