With Guy Fawkes approaching, the City of Cape Town has warned that the illegal use of fireworks will not be tolerated and has called on the public to report any perpetrators.
In a statement, the City said that enforcement agencies would increase patrols in areas that have proven problematic on 5 November but the public are advised to do their part and report illegal or anti-social behavior.
Last year, the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre received 334 calls related to the illegal discharge of fireworks between 1 and 5 November and 61 calls about the illegal sale of fireworks.
Just over 80% of these calls were received on Guy Fawkes.
Enforcement services staff also responded to numerous complaints and incidents of groups of young people roaming around and attacking pedestrians and motorists.
These incidents included one where a group of children attacked a Waste Mart truck in Macassar, pelting staff and the vehicle with stones and balloons filled with paint and other liquids. A Metro Police vehicle was also damaged.
Motorists and pedestrians were also attacked along Prince George Drive while motorcyclist sustained minor injuries when a bottle was hurled at him, and he fell off his motorcycle.
Also read: SPCA faces 48% increase in after hours admissions due to Guy Fawkes
“”We have to change the narrative around Guy Fawkes, but this is not something that the City alone can do,” said the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.
“It ultimately boils down to common courtesy and respect, and this needs to be inculcated at home.”
“Our appeal is to residents in hotspot areas to stand up against the destructive behavior that has become associated with this day.”
The City also reminded residents that it no longer provided designated fireworks sites for Diwali, Guy Fawkes or New Year’s Eve and that no fireworks would be allowed unless a permit has been obtained to host a fireworks display.
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.
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Youth wreak havoc on Guy Fawkes as elderly man is thrown from his wheelchair
Photo: Cape{town} Etc Library