POTCHEFSTROOM – The South African Police Service (SAPS) together with other law enforcement agencies and role players are responsible to ensure general safety, including enforcement of various legislation as part of the Safer Festive Season operations 2022/2023 – “Operation Vala Konke”.
The New Year celebrations tend to be a challenge, particularly pertaining to compliance with the use of fireworks. The public is reminded that fireworks in the country are controlled in terms of the Explosives Act, 1956 (Act no 26 of 1956). Various municipalities have by-laws that restrict and give guide about the use or discharge of fireworks.
While boots will be on the ground to enhance police visibility and curb festive season crime, the public is reminded that their cooperation is vital to general safety, among others, by taking precautionary measures and applying the following safety tips when discharging any fireworks:
• Do not use or discharge any fireworks within 500meters of any explosive magazine, explosive factory, petroleum depot or gasometer.
• Do not use or discharge fireworks in a building or any public thoroughfare.
• Do not use or discharge fireworks in any public place or resort, except with the prior written permission of the local authority.
• Only wholesale and retail dealers that are licenced in terms of the Explosives Act, and who are in possession of a valid licence issued by the Chief Inspector of Explosives, may deal in the sale of fireworks.
• No fireworks may be sold by a street hawker or vendor at a flee market, from the boot of a vehicle/trailer/”spazashop”.
• For your own safety, do not hold lit fireworks in your hand.
• Have a bucket of water of hose nearby.
• Stand back from all fireworks once they are lit.
• Children should always use/light fireworks under the supervision of an adult/parent.
• Keep pets away from fireworks and under control to ensure their safety.
• Never try to make your own fireworks.
• Always point fireworks away from persons, houses and flammable substances.
• Do not allow children to pick up pieces of fireworks immediately after it was discharged-some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
It is important to note that Regulation 5(e) under section 25 of the Environment Conservation Act, 1998 (Act 73 of 1998) stipulates that no person shall use or discharge any explosive, firearm or similar device which emits impulsive sound, or allow it to be used or discharged, if it may cause a noise nuisance, accept with the prior consent in writing of the local authority concerned and subject to such conditions as the local authority deem necessary.
The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lt Gen Sello Kwena, requests all members of the community to take heed and comply with the law to avoid unnecessary injuries due to carelessness and non-compliance.
Source: South African Police Service