With Guy Fawkes around the corner, the City has warned residents to steer clear of illegal fireworks and refrain from engaging in darker customs that still linger in parts of the metropole, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Also read: Body of unidentified man found lying along Cape Town highway
According to the City, the Safety and Security Directorate will ramp up operations in known hotspots leading up to and on Guy Fawkes.
Fireworks-related incidents have declined in recent years, with a 31% drop recorded last year by the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre.
Enforcement and emergency services will however be on high alert for the incidents of assault, stoning of vehicles and mob attacks that remain synonymous with the day in parts of Cape Town.
‘We have seen very encouraging signs in recent years of a downturn in what passes for revelry around Guy Fawkes,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith.
‘I want to appeal to the public at large to help maintain that momentum by calling out bad behaviour, and reporting those who insist on partaking in these destructive behaviours.’
‘Our staff will be on high alert, but we also caution motorists to be careful, and for parents to keep a close eye on their children.’
‘To pet owners – monitor your animals, and keep them indoors where possible, to minimise the risk of trauma from illegal fireworks.’
‘A ban on fireworks is the best solution, but unfortunately that is outside of the City’s purview but we will ensure that we play our part to curb it as best as possible.’
A summary of fireworks do’s and dont’s:
- There are no designated fireworks sites in Cape Town for Diwali, Guy Fawkes or New Year’s Eve
- Fireworks displays will only be allowed where the necessary permit has been applied for, and approved
- The law prohibits the illegal discharge of fireworks, selling fireworks to persons under 16, or allowing them to handle fireworks without adult supervision
Residents are requested to report any incident, suspicious behaviour or criminal activity by phoning the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone and 107 from a landline.
Also read:
Picture: Pexels
