November 5 saw Cape Town residents celebrate Guy Fawkes Day. However, while the City of Cape Town has issued numerous warnings related to the illegal discharging of fireworks, the City of Cape Town’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) has reportedly received 334 calls related to these incidents.
Even more disturbing was an elderly man who was amongst scores of individuals who were attacked in the Western Cape on the unofficial holiday after he was thrown out of his wheelchair by a group of youths in Lavender Hill who then took off with the chair, reports News24.
According to PECC spokesperson Estelle Mare Le Keur, approximately 81% of these distress calls were received on November 5, or Guy Fawkes Day.
The City’s law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason indicated that the sale of illegal fireworks had been a problem, but “frequent checks of shops helped control this. Groups of young people roaming and attacking people remains a problem,” he stated.
However, Lavender Hill was not the only area to be affected. Police spokesperson Ruth Solomons stated that police responded to reports of children attacking a WasteMart truck in Macassar.
“The group pelted the staff and vehicle with stones, as well as balloons containing paint and other liquids,” said Solomons.
Meanwhile, the inspectors of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA had a busy evening on Friday, November 5 taking approximately 50 calls after dark that all related to firework activity and distressed animals. 10 animals were rescued and given refuge, while two dogs who were victims of motor vehicle accidents are being treated in their hospital.
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