Don’t encourage the window washers

Metro police spokesperson, Edna Mamonyane, described the issue of window washers as a huge problem which has spread across Sandton and Johannesburg, and advised all road users not to encourage them by giving them money.

A 23-year-old Morningside resident who wished to remain anonymous said, “I get so frustrated with window washers that I memorise the roads where they stand and avoid those roads at all costs. They often come right next to my window and harass me. On one occasion, a window washer on Rivonia Road knocked on my window and I got such a fright. I do pity them but they make drivers so uncomfortable.”

Mamonyane added, “Initially we had successes with the removal of window washers on Grayston Drive. However, this issue has become very widespread.

“The biggest issue are those who encourage these window washers by giving them money. If drivers give them money, they will think that there is a need for their washing and they will never leave. I know that these people are sympathetic but they are only making the problem worse.”

She added that many female drivers have been harassed by these window washers because they were seen as an easy target.

Monyane’s suggestion is for people to approach various organisations and non-profit organisations to give window washers jobs, clothing and food. She added that many residents have had their cars damaged by these washers. “New cars have technology installed which makes their windscreen wipers start as soon as water hits the windscreen. This is a problem because the window washers land up damaging the wipers with their washer and it is costly to fix windscreen wipers.”

Details: Metro police 011 758 9106.

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