During the first three weeks of September, the PECC recorded three complaints about the illegal sale of fireworks and six complaints about the discharge of fireworks.

By comparison, in the first three weeks of October, there have been at least 13 complaints about the illegal sale and at least 49 complaints about the illegal discharge of fireworks.

Hotspot areas include Manenberg, Eastridge, Beacon Valley, Atlantis, Heideveld, Hanover Park, Belhar and Bonteheuwel.

‘The increase is disappointing, but not entirely surprising. While many people have come to understand and support efforts to snuff out the illegal use of fireworks, there are still pockets of resistance in the weeks leading up to Guy Fawkes and Diwali, and then also around New Year’s. The illegal discharge of fireworks has no place in our society. Not only is it a noise nuisance to others, but also a source of absolute terror for domestic pets and communities plagued by gun violence.

‘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. 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,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

The public is reminded that there are no designated fireworks sites for Guy Fawkes, Diwali and New Year’s Eve.

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.

Fireworks display applications must be directed to the South African Police Service via email, on capetown.explosives.cmrd@saps.gov.za

If SAPS approves the application, the applicant has to contact the Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Life Safety Section in the area where they plan to hold the display so that a site inspection can be carried out to determine whether the site is safe for a fireworks display.

Apart from ensuring that there are no fire hazards in the immediate surroundings, permission also needs to be sought from residents and businesses in the area, and strict conditions must be adhered to before, and during the fireworks display to mitigate any potential risk to public health and safety.

IN TERMS OF THE EXPLOSIVES ACT:

• It is illegal to import and sell fireworks without the necessary permissions outlined in the Act
• It is illegal to discharge fireworks in an area not specifically designated for it
• In terms of Section 30 of the Act, 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

IN TERMS OF THE BY-LAW RELATING TO COMMUNITY FIRE SAFETY

• Selling or storing of fireworks without a fireworks certificate issued by the controlling authority is liable to a R1 500 fine
• Operate a fireworks display or use theatrical pyrotechnics or other fireworks, without permission or having obtained a permit from the controlling authority is liable to a R1 500 fine
• Supplying fireworks to any person not in possession of a valid certificate or permit issued by the controlling authority is liable to a R1 500 fine
• Failure to have a fireworks certificate on the premises for inspection is liable to a R1 000 fine

Anyone with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks should report this to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or via the Safety and Security feature on the City App.