According to a resident of Impala Street, people started setting off fireworks at about 19:00 on New Year’s Eve and continued until about 02:00 the next morning, with the noise continuing intermittently until Sunday evening.
Several residents also commented on the White River Post Facebook (FB) page. “Some idiots had the bright idea that the evening after New Year’s was also a good evening to shoot off crackers on the rugby field,” one complained. Many Kingsview residents commented that they felt it was worse in Kingsview. One stated that it hadn’t stopped since New Year’s, was crazy on Sunday night and that her dogs were frantic.
Another said his canines were petrified of the fireworks and had still not recovered. “My Scottish terrier was in total distress. Although I had given him medication from the vet, I could see that he was terrified. I never leave my dog alone over this season. I just cannot believe why people are even allowed to sell fireworks. And it always goes on for days after New Year’s is long gone. I have never seen so many post on FB of dogs gone missing to get away from the terrible noise,” was another comment.
White River SPCA acting chairman Estelle de Villiers and inspector Michelle van Wyk, as well as SAPS members, patrolled the streets together and to help many terrified animals trying to flee from the noise.
In Impala Street a Jack Russell tried to get through razor wire, was severely injured and narrowly escaped death, while a Great Dane tried to get away by squeezing himself through a palisade fence. “Some owners could not catch their dogs once they had escaped their yard as the animals frantically ran in all directions, disorientated and distraught. Some animals cannot recover from the trauma and die as a direct result of these explosions,” De Villiers stated.
Ludi Botha, coordinator of the various White River Neighbourhood Watch WhatsApp groups and vice-chairman of the White River SPCA, said he also received several comments, including that police weren’t helpful when a complaint was lodged. Botha got in contact with the station commander, Lt Col Thulani Maphanga, who addressed the issue and had members quickly attending to the various complaints.
During a follow-up meeting, Maphanga expressed his willingness and commitment to work alongside the White River SPCA and neighbourhood-watch groups to eradicate the illegal sale and use of fireworks during the year.
The group hopes to do this by patrols, inspections and awareness campaigns. Fireworks are being sold in the open at traffic lights and by hawkers on the streets. Some are being set off in car parks and shopping malls, instead of the designated area, which is the White River Rugby Club.
In terms of the Explosives Act 15 of 2003 (as amended) it is unlawful for any person to use fireworks (explosives) without being in possession of a permit authorising such use, issued out by the chief inspector of explosives. In the Mbomela Local Municpality’s bylaws it also states that people need to have written permission or a permit from the relevant authorities in order to set off firework in a municipal area.
Organisers of firework shows for religious or entertainment purposes are also required to have a permit. There are also designated areas where they may be set off after a permit has been obtained. In White River this is the White River Rugby Club.
Dealers are also held to strict guidelines and need to have permit for the sale of any fireworks, keep it locked away to ensure that it can’t endanger employees or customers and ensure that there are sufficient emergency exits in case of any emergencies or accidents.
Regular inspections from the relevant authorities such as the local police or SPCA inspectors should be undertaken to ensure that all the illegal vendors are quickly closed down. The planned campaign by the various concerned organisations will also focus on this aspect and start early in the year, intensifying their efforts the closer it gets to Christmas and New Year’s.
Residents are urged to ensure that any fireworks they buy are provided by traders that have legal permits. They should also safely store any fireworks they may have aquired and keep it away from any children or animals.
To report any unlawful activities, contact White River SAPS on 013-750-0888.
Any pet owners who are still looking for their animals, should contact or visit the SPCA to see if they aren’t at the kennels. The Facebook page Lost and Found Pets Lowveld is also a good resource to find lost animals.
A photo and description of the pet can also be posted on to the White River Post Facebook page or emailed to editor@whiteriverpost.co.za.
