The City of Cape Town says it will increase law enforcement deployments in known fireworks hotspots ahead of Guy Fawkes and Diwali celebrations.
Guy Fawkes is marked annually on 5 November, while Diwali falls on 8 November this year.
This comes amid a sharp increase in complaints about the illegal sale and use of fireworks across the city.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) recorded at least 49 complaints about the illegal use of fireworks and 13 about illegal sales during the first three weeks of October.
Hotspot areas include Manenberg, Eastridge, Beacon Valley, Atlantis, Heideveld, Hanover Park, Belhar and Bonteheuwel.
Smith says the illegal use of fireworks not only puts residents at risk but also places additional pressure on emergency services.
“There is also the risk of fires and injuries, and the added workload on enforcement and emergency services staff who must deal with these issues.”
The City has reminded residents that there are no designated fireworks sites for Guy Fawkes, Diwali or New Year’s Eve.
It says anyone wanting to sell or store fireworks must have the necessary certificate, while those planning public fireworks displays must obtain the required permits.
“No owner or person in charge of a premises may sell or store fireworks unless such owner or person has obtained a fireworks certificate from the controlling authority. Anyone who wants to host a public fireworks display must apply for a permit in terms of the National Explosives Act and the Community Fire Safety By-Law. Should the event be anticipated to draw a crowd larger than 200 attendees, or it requires any infrastructure build, the organiser will also have to apply for an Events permit from the City.”
Smith has also appealed to residents to help authorities tackle the problem by reporting those involved in the illegal sale of fireworks.
“I appeal to the public to blow the whistle on persons selling fireworks illegally. Our enforcement services will step up their deployments in areas that have proven to be hotspots in the past, but credible tips from the public will go a long way in mitigating the impact of illegal fireworks.”
