As Cape Town prepares for Diwali on 20 October and Guy Fawkes on 5 November, the City’s law enforcement departments are stepping up efforts to curb the illegal sale and discharge of fireworks.
Authorities have urged residents to celebrate responsibly, reminding the public that fireworks are permitted only through formal, approved applications.
As highlighted by the City of Cape Town, officials reiterated that no designated fireworks sites will be available for Diwali, Guy Fawkes, or New Year’s Eve, and that no fireworks are allowed without a valid permit. The City said it remains committed to public safety, animal welfare and reducing noise pollution and fire risks during the festive season.
‘We have made it clear in recent years that fireworks are allowed only where formal applications for such displays have been approved,’ said Alderman JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.
‘The sale of fireworks too is regulated, anything else is illegal and our staff will act against anyone found breaking the law,’ he added.
Smith also appealed to residents for cooperation and awareness, urging them to be mindful of ‘the immense trauma fireworks cause to animals and communities that already battle with gun violence’ and highlighting the additional strain they place on emergency and fire services.
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According to the City, the sale or storage of fireworks is only permitted with the necessary authorisation, and no person under 16 is allowed to handle fireworks. Discharging fireworks without a permit remains a prosecutable offence, while sky lanterns are also banned due to their potential fire hazard.
The City stressed that it has discontinued the use of designated fireworks sites in previous years, citing both safety concerns and the negative impact on pets and vulnerable communities.
Beyond fireworks enforcement, the City’s Metro Police, Traffic Services, and Law Enforcement departments continue broader safety operations across Cape Town.
In the past week alone:
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Metro police officers arrested 114 people for various offences, including 19 for drunk driving and 58 for possession or sale of drugs. Two 9mm pistols, 24 rounds of ammunition, and multiple drugs were also confiscated.
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Traffic officers recorded 32 283 traffic violations and made 22 arrests, with 17 for driving under the influence, three for reckless driving, and two for other offences. Officers issued 17,651 fines, impounded 255 public transport vehicles, and executed 2,078 warrants of arrest.
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Law enforcement officers made 149 arrests and issued 11 736 notices.
These statistics, the City noted, reflect ongoing proactive efforts being implemented to ensure public safety and maintain order across the city.
As highlighted by the City, these measures are not about dampening celebrations but about ensuring that ‘festivities do not come at the expense of community safety, animals, or the environment.’
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