Council refuses to debate window washers

This according to Democratic Alliance Shadow Member of Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, councillor Michael Sun, who said he and fellow councillor Carlos Da Roche submitted a motion to council requesting that the issue of window washers in the city be taken seriously.

“Whilst we are mindful of people whom are trying to make a living and those who have to resort to trading on the streets, we cannot condone any kind of unlawful activity,” he explained.

“Sadly, the speaker of council did not deem the motion to be urgent and refused to table it for debate.”

Window washers are notorious for their aggressive behaviour. The window washers on Grayston Drive in Sandton allegedly threatened to rape a female motorist recently.

Sun said that female drivers are frequently the ones targeted as less retaliation is expected from them. “The window washer insults the driver, sprays soapy water on the windscreen, or even worse, damages the wiper blades,” explained Sun.

He said he has had many complaints from motorists about their encounters with window washers. “We will not stop here and we will submit the motion again, the City’s government must realise that if criminal patterns such as forced window washing is not stopped, there will be drastic consequences,” added Sun.

In terms of sections 12 (1) (a), 14 (4) and (5) of the City’s Public Road and Miscellaneous Bylaw it is stated:

• Section 12 (1) (a): No person may lie, sit, congregate, loiter or walk, or otherwise act, on any public road in any manner that may obstruct traffic.
• Section 14 (4): No person may on any public road in any way loiter or solicit or inconvenience or harass any other person for the purpose of begging.
• Section 14 (5): No person may on a public road use any threatening, abusive or insulting words or gestures or behaviours with intent to cause a breach of the bylaw.

Tell us in the comments below what you think of council’s response to councillor Michael Sun’s call for the eradication of window washers.