*Five cases were opened and several businesses were issued fines during a joint enforcement operation targeting the illegal sale and use of fireworks in Mogale City’s CBD on December 31.
• Also read: Protect your furry friends from fireworks on New Year’s Eve
The multi-stakeholder operation was led by Mogale City Public Safety’s By-Law Enforcement Unit, the West Rand District Municipality Fire Prevention Services, SAPS, AfriForum and Ward 20 representatives.
Officials inspected street vendors and formal businesses to verify licenses and compliance with national explosives legislation and municipal by-laws.
Ward 20 councillor Mark Trump said seven premises were inspected and five cases opened after businesses were found to be trading without the required licenses, in contravention of the Explosives Act 26 of 1956. Some shops were also found selling illegal cigarettes.
Street hawkers selling fireworks without permits were fined R500 each, and confiscated fireworks will be destroyed in line with regulations.
“The Explosives Act applies nationwide with no exceptions.
It is unlawful to discharge fireworks in any building, public road or public place without prior written permission from the local authority,” Trump said.
He added that public fireworks displays require written approval from the Chief Inspector of Explosives, and any breach of permit conditions constitutes a criminal offence.
*Councillor Shenan Cochrane reiterated that within Mogale City Local Municipality, fireworks may not be discharged at any time – including at private homes – without a permit issued by the Chief Fire Officer.
Offenders may be charged under the Explosives Act and fined in terms of Local Authority Notice 2478 (West Rand District Municipality Street and Miscellaneous By-Laws).
We appeal to residents to celebrate responsibly and consider the impact on neighbours, animals and vulnerable community members,” *Cochrane said.
Residents are reminded:
• Fireworks may not be discharged without a permit issued by the Chief Fire Officer, whether at private residences or venues
• Anyone found discharging fireworks without a permit may face fines of up to R2 000 under applicable municipal by-laws
• Mogale City’s by-laws differ from those of the City of Johannesburg, where limited discharge is permitted at certain times
To report illegal fireworks use:
• Call SAPS on 10111 while the incident is in progress and request a case reference number
• Email Mogale City Public Safety at elmarie.mitchell@mogalecity.gov.za with details, photographs and the SAPS reference number
Public Safety officials will investigate and issue fines where warranted.
Authorities say enforcement operations will continue over the New Year period to curb unlawful fireworks activity and protect public safety.
*This article was amended after publication. It previously stated that five arrests were made and incorrectly cited councillor Amy Steyn as a source. The newspaper has since been informed that no arrests were made; instead, five cases were opened. The correct councillor is Shenan Cochrane. The Krugersdorp News apologises for any inconvenience or confusion caused — Ed.
