Cape Town: Guy Fawkes festival is coming near and considering this the City of Cape Town warned the public to toe the line. The warnings have been released in terms of illegal fireworks, the macabre traditions associated with the day and that remain prevalent in pockets of the metropole.
Reportedly, the Safety and Security Directorate will refocus its operational deployment in the lead up to and on Guy Fawkes. It will mainly focus on areas which have proved to be the hotspots over the past few years.
Incidents related to fireworks have shown a decline over the past few years. Last year also, the number of incidents related to the fireworks recorded by the Public Emergency Communication Centre of the City of Cape Town presented 31% decline.
Fireworks-related incidents have shown a decline over the past few years. Last year too, the number of fireworks-related incidents recorded by the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre showed a 31% decline.
The Enforcement and Emergency Services will however be on high alert for the incidents of assault, stoning of vehicles and mob attacks that remained synonymous with the day in parts of Cape Town.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that they have seen very encouraging signs in recent years of a downturn in what passes for revelry around Guy Fawkes.
Smith expressed, “I want to appeal to the public at large to help in maintaining the momentum by calling out bad behavior and reporting those who insist on partaking in these destructive behaviors.”
“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,” mentioned JP Smith.
Special guidelines for the fireworks has also been released. Alderman Smith said to the pet owners to monitor their animals and keep them indoors where it is possible. He also said them to minimise the risk of trauma from illegal fireworks.
The officials have put ban on fireworks, which they found is the best solution for all, but unfortunately it is outside of the purview of the City of Cape Town. Smith stated further that they will ensure to play the part in curbing it as best as possible.
An advisory on do’s and don’ts of fireworks have been also released which tells that there are no designated sites in Cape Town for festivals, such as Diwali, Guy Fawkes or New Year’s Eve.
Furthermore, the fireworks displays will only be allowed where the necessary permit has been applied for and approved officially.
Notably, the law prohibits the illegal discharge of fireworks, selling of fireworks to people who are of age under-16, and strictly prohibits allowing them to handle fireworks without adult supervision.