No stopping window washers in Sandton

This according to Metro police spokesperson, Edna Mamonyane, who said the window washers have been hanging around at traffic lights along Grayston Drive and Rivonia Road.

“We’ve deployed Metro officers to the problem areas and have instructed them to be on high alert and to ensure that motorists are not harassed by the window washers,” she explained.

Mamonyane added that marked patrol vehicles have been circulating the area but as soon as the culprits see the vehicles they run away.

“Some motorists feel sorry for the window washers,” said Mamonyane, adding that some motorists felt they meant no harm and continued to give them money.

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“What these motorists don’t understand is that they start getting used to the money and when some motorists do not give them the money, they get angry and feel entitled.”

Mamonyane said by giving the window washers money, motorists were going against the, Operation ke Molao, or This is the Law, which was a Metro police initiative to put a stop to window washers and beggars loitering on the roads of Johannesburg.

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Mamonyane explained that, as part of the operation, the individuals were removed from the streets and thereafter Metro police worked with social development to help them stay off the streets.

“We find out who they are, where they come from, if they need a government grant, if they have children, a disability or need to be on pension,” she explained.

“We try to help them the best way we can.”

She added that foreign nationals were checked to see if they were in the country legally and if they were not, arrangements were made to send them home.

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