SAPS and community members clamp down on Fireworks
Nine warnings were issued to shop owners who did not comply with the requirements as set out by the Explosives Act.
MBOMBELA – Members of the SAPS bomb disposal unit, Community Police Forum (CPF) and Concerned Citizens’ Group, along with security officers from Divergent Ops and ACS Security, descended on the CBD on Friday, December 22 in an attempt to put a halt to the illegal sale of fireworks in the City.
The operation, which was coordinated by Brig Gerrie Agenbag of Mbombela SAPS, aimed to follow up on the validity of shop owners’ fireworks licenses in Mbombela as stipulated in the Explosives Act.
In total, 21 shops were visited and nine warnings issued.
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“As SAPS we urge residents to act responsibly by complying with bylaws and only setting off fireworks at designated areas as provided by the city,” said Agenbag.
He added that it was important for residents to keep in mind that if they act responsibly with regard to fireworks, then SAPS will not have to divert its attention and can focus on the threat of serious crimes during the festive season in Mbombela.
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“We need the community to stand together to ensure that fireworks are used safely and within the law. Ultimately the responsibility lies with residents to ensure that things are done in a safe and lawful manner,” Agenbag said, adding that SAPS does not which to spoil residents’ fun, but that it is of the utmost importance that anyone who wishes to set off fireworks do so only in one of the designated areas in the City.
According to City of Mbombela Local Municipality (CMLM), fireworks may only be discharged at sports grounds within the municipality, including Mbombela Stadium, Nelsville Sports Grounds, KaMagugu Sports Grounds and KaNyamazane Stadium. It is only allowed on New Year’s Eve from 18:00 to 01:00 and on New Year’s Day.
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Similar compliance operations have been conducted by SAPS throughout the year, and will continue throughout the festive season to ensure that the trade in fireworks is conducted legally.
