The City of Cape Town has confirmed that several incidents have been reported as Guy Fawkes celebrations take place across parts of the city.

According to the City’s Law Enforcement spokesperson, Wayne Dyason, reports linked to Guy Fawkes have been received from areas including Lavender Hill and Parkwood.

“Groups of predominantly young children are going around attacking each other and innocent bystanders with paints and other substances. We have stepped up patrols in areas known to be hotspots, and we appeal to the public to refrain from taking part in attacks on others.”

Meanwhile, Steenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF) deputy chairperson Erica Jacobs says many children did not attend school today and were seen throwing paint at one another and setting off fireworks in the area.

Jacobs expressed concern that the situation could escalate as the evening progresses, urging parents and community members to discourage any disruptive or unsafe behaviour.

“My anxiety is for when people have to come home from work this afternoon and that these so-called celebrations will escalate into even worse violence.”

Also read: Steenberg CPF calls for calm and safety ahead of Guy Fawkes