| Zero tolerance for the illegal sale and setting off of fireworks | Zero tolerance for the illegal sale and setting off of fireworks | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/City%20news.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>With Diwali coming up in the next week, and Guy Fawkes set to follow two weeks later, the City’s enforcement departments are ready to tackle the illegal sale and setting off of fireworks.</p> | <p>Diwali takes place on Monday, 20 October, while Guy Fawkes falls on Wednesday, 5 November.</p><p>‘We have made it clear in recent years that fireworks are allowed only where formal applications for such displays have been approved. The sale of fireworks too is regulated – anything else is illegal and our staff will act against anyone found breaking the law. We ask for the public’s cooperation and due regard for the rights of others. Fireworks are not only very noisy, but they cause immense trauma to animals and communities that already battle with gun violence, and there is also the risk of fires and injuries, placing an unnecessary burden on emergency services. I want to encourage our residents to make sure children understand the danger and repercussions of setting off fireworks,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.</p><p>The City would like to remind residents that it no longer provides designated fireworks sites for Diwali, Guy Fawkes or New Year's Eve, and that no fireworks will be allowed, unless a permit has been obtained to host a fireworks display.</p><p>The sale or storage of fireworks is only allowed if the necessary permits are in place, no person under 16 is allowed to handle fireworks, and the discharge of fireworks without a permit, is prohibited.</p><p>The City also does not support the sale and use of sky lanterns as these too present a fire risk. </p><p>In general enforcement efforts the past week:</p><ul><li><div style="text-align:left;">Metro Police officers arrested 114 people for various offences including 19 for drunk driving and 58 for the possession/sale of drugs. They also confiscated two 9mm pistols, 24 live rounds of ammunition and a variety of drugs.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Traffic officers recorded 32 283 traffic violations and made 22 arrests – 17 for driving under the influence of alcohol, three for reckless and negligent driving and two for other offences. They also issued 17 651 fines, impounded 255 public transport vehicles and executed 2 078 warrants of arrest.</div></li><li><div style="text-align:left;">Law Enforcement officers made 149 arrests and issued 11 736 notices.</div></li></ul><p>Residents are encouraged to report any incidents, including the illegal discharge of fireworks to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700.</p><p><br> End<br> <br></p> | 2025-10-12T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#b80a134f-f902-463f-a1d1-c36a000e70b7;L0|#0b80a134f-f902-463f-a1d1-c36a000e70b7|fireworks;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
