South Africa’s Crime Rate Inspires Unusual Concept – ‘Crime Wash’!

Two entrepreneurial – and compassionate – women have set up a new business in South Africa, in what is a sad indictment of the state of crime in the country. With several murders making headlines (not to mention the numerous others which don’t), the women’s recently launched business – Crime Wash – could not come at a better time. And in just a month they’ve already had “several” cases…

Crime Wash was conceptualised four years ago when paramedic Linda van Winkel and commercial cleaning manager Catherine Wheeler met and recognised there was a desperate need in South Africa for a compassionate service that could professionally ‘clean up’ after a traumatic incident, like a murder or assault, at a crime scene.

Last month they launched Crime Wash which undertakes such clean ups, preventing further trauma to relatives or third parties who wouldn’t know where to begin, at a time when they are most vulnerable.

Catherine told SAPeople: “We both wanted to make a difference in our community with a service that was both essential and displayed the compassion required. We believe the business is both self-sustaining (especially as Linda and I are both in our 50s and obtaining employment is no longer a feasible option), as well our way of giving back to society in a very niche market.”

Linda, an ALS Paramedic, brings 26 years of experience with her, while Catherine has 12 years of vital experience in the hygiene/pest control industry.

Linda says: “As a Paramedic, it was an awful feeling to leave a scene, being unable to assist as we had further cases to go to. Also, as paramedics we were not equipped to undertake such a clean-up, not having the necessary equipment and disposing facilities for blood or infected waste.”

She was desperate to change that. And although domestic and commercial cleaning is a fairly competitive market, Crime Wash is passionate about making significant difference to the lives of individuals.

There is no legislation at present in SA on these type of services, except for the manner in which blood, bodily fluids and body matter is disposed of.  It has to be incinerated. Blood-borne pathogens create an extremely high risk of infections and spread of disease… so “specific clothing is required to protect ourselves… and to avoid cross-contamination on scene”.

Catherine is involved in voluntary first response crisis work, and “we are affiliated to other agencies that counsel the bereaved and they have motivated us to move forward with this concept”.

In the short time since Crime Wash was launched, she says they have already had “several” cases.

Many people are covered for the costs of such clean-ups via their insurance (and they suggest all residents of SA check that their own policies do cover this).

At present, Crime Wash operates only in Durban, but will be training carefully selected candidates in the coming months so as to expand. They plan to open in Joburg later this year.

As far as Linda and Catherine are aware, there is only one other such company in South Africa.

Catherine says they are amazed that people are already finding Crime Wash, and are “grateful that there are people who are relieved that we have this service”…

MORE

Website coming soon.

Crime Wash on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/CRIME-WASH-1367324666677891/