City hopes Guy Fawkes continues to fizzle out
31 October 2023
While statistics of the past two years show a slight downturn in incidents related to Guy Fawkes, the City will once again embark on proactive patrols, particularly in areas that have proven troublesome in the past, to safeguard the public
In the past two years, there's been a drop of between 18 and 25 percent in the number of calls to the City's Public Emergency Communication Centre, relating to the sale of, and discharge of fireworks.
The City's enforcement services do, however, still find themselves responding to numerous incidents on Guy Fawkes, where marauding groups target pedestrians and motorists.
Historically, the stretch of Prince George Drive between 5th Avenue and Military Road, Parkwood, parts of Mitchells Plain, Bonteheuwel and Manenberg have been among the areas that recorded incidents where persons were attacked or injured by these mobs.
Officers will maintain a presence in high risk areas, as well as popular beaches and other public open spaces.
'On the one hand, we have the problem of fireworks in residential areas, causing untold trauma to communities and pets, and then on the other, mobs of mostly children, causing destruction in their local areas. We're heartened by the slight downturn in complaints in recent years, but this tradition needs to be completely eradicated. I call on residents to report any concerns, so that these may be dealt with. I also urge those who continue to partake in this bizarre form of revelry to rethink their actions – not only are you putting innocent people and animals in harm's way, but you are also diverting enforcement and emergency resources from more pressing matters,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Residents are reminded that there are no designated sites for the discharge of fireworks, and doing so without a permit is illegal.
In terms of Section 30 of the Explosives Act of 1956, the use or detonation of any fireworks in any building and public thoroughfare is liable to a R200 fine; selling fireworks to a child or anyone under the age of 16 is liable to a R300 fine; allowing a child or person under the age of 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision is liable to a R300 fine.
Any illegal or dangerous behaviour and incidents can be reported to the Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
