A manager of a building in the CBD has allegedly been assaulted for the second time by car washers. Mr Anton Kruger spoke to Nelspruit Post on Friday. He said the incident occurred that morning after he caught a man on the roof of the Sanlam building.
“I chased after him and when I caught him, he hit me on the head. I then made a citizen’s arrest but the other car washers cornered me at the reception, and I feared for my life.”
Kruger said they had to release the man because the police apparently refused to open a case. “They arrived two hours later and then didn’t want to talk to me in English.
“They wanted me to identify the men involved. I feared for my life, and did not want to put myself through danger. I had been assaulted last year by one of the washers, but I still haven’t heard anything about that case. ”
According to Kruger, the car washers were operating illegally in the CBD area.
“They are damaging property and fire hydrants – if one of the buildings catches fire, the occupants will be in trouble.”
He said they were apparently using the hydrants to obtain water to service their clients.
“People are afraid to come to the Sanlam Centre. How must we clean up the city centre when they are allowed to operate here illegally?”
Kruger said he had organised a meeting with the Mbombela Traffic Department and with the police. “I am still waiting to see when they will be available to see me.
“I cannot keep on replacing fire hydrants because of vandalism and neither can other businesses in the city – somebody has to do something.”
