OVER the past few days we, as a country, celebrated the new year.
There was provision made to let off fireworks between a certain time, after which the respect of others was to be upheld and it worked in most areas – but there were areas affected by undisciplined and unruly persons who took the law into their own hands.
It is now three days later (4 January) and a premises in the Cowies Hill Park area decides to let off fireworks at 4.30 in the morning. As a community, we’ve been tolerant of the fireworks that have been ongoing in all communities throughout South Africa, let alone in a community such as ours.
However, you seem to think it’s fun to set off fireworks. This is not only illegal, but shows a lack of respect for the law in a community that strives to uphold the spirit of Ubuntu.
In a residential community that looks out for each other, your display is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. By letting off fireworks and thinking it’s a big joke watching first responders racing around looking for victims of crime is beyond a joke.
The following comes into play when this happens:
Your neighbours think that there is a crime incident in progress and SAPS is dispatched. Security companies, as first responders, are also dispatched to the area where the “alleged gunshots” come from.
The neighbourhood watch network also dispatches medical assistance in the event that “someone was shot”. This could have been you in a real situation, because in South Africa crime affects everybody, so resources are sent on a wild goose chase.
When we arrive at the premises “letting off fireworks”, we find out that it is a smug resident claiming ‘it’s only fireworks’ and ‘what’s the big deal?’.
This anti social behaviour is unacceptable and disrespectful. You should be prosecuted according to the law of the land.
Sadly, after a few such calls to 10111, law enforcement officials have to date not even addressed this issue with the resident involved. I waited at the property and no one arrived to speak to the errant resident
With previous complaints by neighbours, this resident hasn’t been prosecuted, despite a running log of reference numbers available and a frustrated community that does not need this in their lives. This property needs to be flagged as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” or “Wolfies” for short. The next time a call for genuine help is requested, and first responders should respond, they should proceed with caution to avoid inciting costs for hoax callouts.
Superman
Pinetown
