Sergeant Boolsen and the ward 118 councillor, Clr Mike Spadino, embarked on a tour throughout the ward to address complaints from residents.
The tour took place on Wednesday, January 21.
“At 1.20pm we stopped at Albertina Sisulu and Allum roads in Bruma, where we chased away about six window washers,” said Clr Spadino.
Water bottles, soap and rubber window cleaners were impounded.
“For about 20 minutes, while the councillor and Sgt Boolsen were in the area, there were no windscreen washers in sight. This shows that visible policing in the area is capable of dealing with the problem,” said Clr Spadino.
After chasing away the window washers, the pair moved to the Eastgate bridge, next to the freeway.
They chased away a homeless person who seemed to be living under the bridge. The man claimed he was part of the council workers in the area, but it appeared as though he was living there.
Sgt Boolsen impounded various personal belongings, including blankets, mattresses, shoes and crutches.
“I have no doubt in my mind that vagrants are living along the Jukskei River, under the Eastgate Bridge, and in other areas as well. They are creating a lot of frustration among motorists and residents living in the Bruma and Cyrildene areas,” said Sgt Boolsen.
Residents and motorists have complained about the lack of law enforcement regarding this issue, saying it was a result of non-action by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
Sgt Boolsen disputed this, saying in January he listed numerous operations and weekly deployment efforts to deal with the issue.
“Arrests were made and whenever we patrol the area, we chase the windscreen washers away. It is also important to understand that this is an ongoing social problem, as was highlighted in previous correspondence. We are committed to doing our best as manpower and resources allow us to,” he added.
Sgt Boolsen promised night patrols around the bridge area to chase away any person found living there.
