Regulations around fireworks show misconduct on NYE

Finally we know where we stand – with discharging fireworks, that is.

According to the Head of Public Safety and Chief Fire Officer (CFO) at the West Rand District Municipality (WRDM), Elias Koloi, the discharging of fireworks is prohibited in the West Rand District.

“No person shall in any street or public place or on any private property in any municipal area within the West Rand district, discharge any fireworks without the explicit written approval of the CFO,” he told the News over a telephone interview recently.

He explained that any person who does not comply with this provision can be charged with a fine or even sentenced to imprisonment, or both.

On New Year’s Eve, the Krugersdorp skyline lit up bright with fireworks being set off to welcome the new year. But it did not start as a happy new year for many.

Dogs at the 9th Day Animal Shelter desperately wanted to get out of their kennels and away from the noise. One such dog ended up bloodying her kennel as she desperately tried to climb up the kennel wall.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Thsepiso Mashale, told the News on 4 January that they had not received any instructions from the local municipality about enforcing any regulations surrounding the discharge of fireworks.

“We were only told to apprehend people who were selling fireworks without a license,” she said.

Koloi explained that the police should have been informed by the District Law Enforcement Coordination Committee and help identify designated areas to discharge fireworks.

“For the last New Year’s Eve, no applications to discharge fireworks were admitted to the WRDM,” Koloi added.

For special permission to discharge fireworks or any other related queries, contact the WRDM on 017 951 3000 from a landline and 011 951 3000 from a cell phone.

Koloi mentioned that “you cannot simply discharge fireworks, not even in you own home”.

Read more:

Extreme NYE fireworks: who’s at fault?

Fireworks safety starts at home