Traffic chief urges drivers to report aggressive windshield wipers

In response to mounting complaints about unsolicited windshield wiping and removal of car parts at the Mandela Avenue traffic lights, Traffic Chief Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh is calling on drivers to formally report such incidents to the police, describing the behaviour as both unlawful and disruptive.
Though no official police reports have been made, many drivers have expressed frustration over the persistent presence of individuals who approach vehicles at stoplights, often removing wipers and wiping windshields without permission, then demanding payment.
The traffic chief explained the legal grounds for intervention, stating, “If a driver experiences that, he or she should go to the nearest police station and report it.” He clarified that any unauthorized handling or removal of vehicle parts can be classified as a crime, like larceny. He encouraged drivers to take a proactive role in combating the issue by filing reports, which would allow police to act decisively.
“If persons are in the middle of the road… and are wiping the windshield when you didn’t require them to do so, and they damage your vehicle, the damage of property should be reported to the police to be dealt with,” he said, adding that many drivers feel their cars are at risk in these situations.
While police officers have made efforts to remove these individuals from the roadway, the traffic chief explained that they tend to return when the officers leave, making the issue challenging to manage.
“The police… ask them to come off the road, but as soon as we leave, they go right back,” he observed.
In response, he plans to encourage an increased police presence at the Mandela Avenue stoplights and other areas where similar incidents occur to ensure the safety and comfort of commuters.
The traffic chief also pointed out that despite frequent media coverage of these encounters, most cases go unreported to law enforcement.
“It means that the people did not go to the police, but they want to escalate it to gain attention, without taking the proper recourse of action,” he remarked.
He urged the public to officially document incidents with the police for more effective resolution.