An eight-year-old Manenberg boy has died in Cape Town while police investigate an incident linked to a firecracker over the weekend. 

Toheer Lewis, a Grade One learner at Manenberg Primary School, died yesterday morning (November 1). 

Western Cape police have opened an inquest into his death. 

“The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death,” said police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg. 

Fight Against Crime SA (Facsa), a non-profit organisation that monitors crime throughout the Western Cape, announced Toheer’s death on its Facebook page. 

“The loss of such a young life is an immeasurable tragedy that has deeply shaken the community. No child should lose their life under such circumstances, and no family should ever have to endure this kind of heartbreak,” added the organisation. 

Calls for a clampdown on illegal sales 

It further condemned the illegal sale, distribution and use of fireworks and firecrackers by or among minors. 

“These devices are not harmless toys or entertainment. They pose a serious and potentially fatal danger, particularly when placed in the hands of children.” 

The organisation called on SAPS and the City of Cape Town law enforcement to intensify operations against the illegal sale and distribution of fireworks in Manenberg and surrounding communities, particularly as Guy Fawkes approaches. 

Guy Fawkes Day in South Africa is an annual local adaptation of the British November 5 tradition, which commemorates the failure of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot to blow up England’s Parliament. 

Dangers around fireworks 

“We appeal to parents, guardians and the wider community to actively educate and warn children about the dangers associated with fireworks and firecrackers. Anyone with information about illegal sellers is urged to report them to SAPS or Facsa admin.” 

The organisation appealed to the community to be vigilant and responsible. 

“Protecting our children must be a collective priority and preventing another tragedy requires action from all of us. A young life has been lost. This tragedy must serve as a wake-up call to our entire community.” 

City warns of surge in fireworks complaints 

In a statement last week, the City of Cape Town said that with Guy Fawkes and Diwali approaching, its Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) was already seeing an increase in complaints about the sale and discharge of fireworks. 

During the first three weeks of September, the PECC recorded three complaints about the illegal sale of fireworks and six complaints about the discharge of fireworks. 

“By comparison, in the first three weeks of October, there have been at least 13 complaints about the illegal sale and at least 49 complaints about the illegal discharge of fireworks,” the city explained. 

Hotspot areas identified across metro 

It added that hotspot areas included Manenberg, Eastridge, Beacon Valley, Atlantis, Heideveld, Hanover Park, Belhar and Bonteheuwel. 

“The increase is disappointing, but not entirely surprising. While many people have come to understand and support efforts to snuff out the illegal use of fireworks, there are still pockets of resistance in the weeks leading up to Guy Fawkes and Diwali, and then also around New Year’s. 

“The illegal discharge of fireworks has no place in our society. Not only is it a noise nuisance to others, but also a source of absolute terror for domestic pets and communities plagued by gun violence,” said the city. 

It added that there is also the risk of fires and injuries, as well as an added workload on enforcement and emergency services staff who must deal with these issues. 

The city appealed to the public to blow the whistle on people selling fireworks illegally. 

“The public is reminded that there are no designated fireworks sites for Guy Fawkes, Diwali and New Year’s Eve. No owner or person in charge of a premises may sell or store fireworks unless such owner or person has obtained a fireworks certificate from the controlling authority.” 

Fines for illegal sale and lack of supervision 

Referring to the Explosives Act 15 of 2003, the city said selling fireworks to a child or anyone under 16 carries a R300 fine, and allowing a child or person under 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision is also liable to a R300 fine. 

It added that selling or storing fireworks without a certificate issued by the controlling authority carries a R1 500 fine. 

Anyone with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks should report it to the city’s PECC on 021 480 7700 or via the city app. 

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