THE Metro police, the City of Johannesburg and the SPCA have declared war on the illegal selling and reckless use of fireworks leading up to New Year's Day.
JMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, pictured, said Metro police started raiding dealers and vendors on Monday.
Minnaar said three vendors in the city centre had since been fined and their goods confiscated. The sale of fireworks is restricted to licensed dealers.
"It is already too late to apply for licences now," Minnaar said.
Nazira Cachalia of the City of Johannesburg warned about the dangers of buying fireworks from street vendors.
"Hawkers and vendors might have old stock that has not been well kept. These have the potential to cause serious injuries," Cachalia said.
He said fireworks had to be stored under specific conditions.
Minnaar said there were stringent rules regulating the display of fireworks. He said members of the public should report the incorrect display of fireworks.
"Anybody can request a dealer to show their fireworks licence if it is not displayed. Selling fireworks to minors is irresponsible and is a serious offence," he said.
Minnaar said it is an offence to:
- Display fireworks within 500m of a petrol station;
- Display fireworks on an agricultural holding;
- Display fireworks at schools, old age homes and hospitals; and
- Ignite fireworks where animals are present.
He said there were specific dates and times when fireworks could be used on public holidays and at religious festivals. Fireworks can be used between 11pm and 1am on New Year's Eve and between 7pm and 10pm on New Year's Day.
Different times apply for other days such as the Chinese New Year, Guy Fawkes Day and the Diwali Festival of Lights.
Alfred Dlamini of the SPCA said fireworks were dangerous to animals and urged pet owners to keep them secure during displays.
"Pet owners should not leave their animals chained. They can prepare a room for the animal and play soothing music to calm them down," he said.
Dlamini said pet owners could also book their pets into boarding kennels and leave them enough food and fresh water. He said cruelty to animals is punishable by law and those charged with setting fireworks on animals could be imprisoned for up to 12 months.
Crackdown on illegal sale of fireworks
THE Metro police, the City of Johannesburg and the SPCA have declared war on the illegal selling and reckless use of fireworks leading up to New Year's Day.
JMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, pictured, said Metro police started raiding dealers and vendors on Monday.
Minnaar said three vendors in the city centre had since been fined and their goods confiscated. The sale of fireworks is restricted to licensed dealers.
"It is already too late to apply for licences now," Minnaar said.
Nazira Cachalia of the City of Johannesburg warned about the dangers of buying fireworks from street vendors.
"Hawkers and vendors might have old stock that has not been well kept. These have the potential to cause serious injuries," Cachalia said.
He said fireworks had to be stored under specific conditions.
Minnaar said there were stringent rules regulating the display of fireworks. He said members of the public should report the incorrect display of fireworks.
"Anybody can request a dealer to show their fireworks licence if it is not displayed. Selling fireworks to minors is irresponsible and is a serious offence," he said.
Minnaar said it is an offence to:
He said there were specific dates and times when fireworks could be used on public holidays and at religious festivals. Fireworks can be used between 11pm and 1am on New Year's Eve and between 7pm and 10pm on New Year's Day.
Different times apply for other days such as the Chinese New Year, Guy Fawkes Day and the Diwali Festival of Lights.
Alfred Dlamini of the SPCA said fireworks were dangerous to animals and urged pet owners to keep them secure during displays.
"Pet owners should not leave their animals chained. They can prepare a room for the animal and play soothing music to calm them down," he said.
Dlamini said pet owners could also book their pets into boarding kennels and leave them enough food and fresh water. He said cruelty to animals is punishable by law and those charged with setting fireworks on animals could be imprisoned for up to 12 months.
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