Cape Town declares zero tolerance for the illegal sale and setting off of fireworks. As the festivals are coming up, the City of Cape Town has urged the residents to avoid burning firecrackers unnecessarily.
With Diwali coming up in the next week, and Guy Fawkes set to follow two weeks later, the Enforcement Departments of the City of Cape Town are ready to tackle the illegal sale and setting off of fireworks.
Diwali is taking place on Monday, October 20, 2025 while Guy Fawkes falls on Wednesday, November 05, 2025.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security – Alderman JP Smith said that they have made it clear in recent years that fireworks are allowed only where formal applications for such displays have been approved.
Smith added that the sale of fireworks is being regulated too. If anything, illegal happens, the staff will act against anyone found breaking the law. He stated that they ask for the public’s cooperation and due regard for the rights of others.
As fireworks are very noisy, they cause immense trauma to animals and communities that already battle with gun violence, and there is also the risk of fires and injuries, placing an unnecessary burden on emergency services. Smith encouraged residents to make sure children understand the danger and repercussions of setting off fireworks, before playing with them.
Also, the City of Cape Town would like to remind residents that it no longer provides designated fireworks sites for Diwali, Guy Fawkes or New Year’s Eve, and that no fireworks will 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, as it is prohibited.
Note that the City does not support the sale and use of sky lanterns as these too present a fire risk.
In general enforcement efforts the past week, Metro Police officers arrested 114 people for various offences including 19 for drunk driving and 58 for the possession or sale of drugs. They also confiscated two 9mm pistols, 24 live rounds of ammunition and a variety of drugs.
Traffic officers recorded 32,283 traffic violations and made 22 arrests, out of which 17 for driving under the influence of alcohol, three for reckless and negligent driving and two for other offences. They also issued 17,651 fines, impounded 255 public transport vehicles and executed 2,078 warrants of arrest.
Law Enforcement officers made 149 arrests and issued 11,736 notices. Residents are encouraged to report any incidents, including the illegal discharge of fireworks to the Public Emergency Communication Centre of the City of Cape Town.