Traders warned against selling fireworks illegally
Metro police will fine traders selling fireworks illegally around Pretoria.
People using fireworks without the permission of the metro’s chief fire officer will receive a spot fine of R2 500 under Tshwane’s bylaws, the metro police said on Monday.
Spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said businesses selling fireworks without a certificate of registration would also receive a spot fine.
There would be an additional fine for any other fire safety violations.
“These businesses are warned against illegally advertising fireworks on traffic signs, pavements and municipal properties. Additional fines may be imposed in these cases,” he said.
Mahamba said people using fireworks without permission could also be fined in terms of the Gauteng noise control regulations.
On 30 November, the Tshwane metro launched Operation Festive Season, entailing a multi-disciplinary focus on places of entertainment and liquor outlets, formal businesses selling fireworks, public amenities and the illegal trading in fireworks at intersections.
Certain procedures had to be followed by traders and people wishing to use fireworks.
“Any person who wants to sell fireworks from their business premises should have applied before 23 November and renewals date closed on 11 December for permission. Applicants must apply for a licence at the SA Police Service’s explosives unit,” Mahamba said.
“Once a business applies, the application is also sent to the municipality’s offices of the chief fire officer.”
A fire safety inspector would then inspect the business premises to see whether it complied with fire safety legislation and requirements.
There should, for example, be no obstructions in front of the fire extinguishers, fireworks should be kept behind counters and there should be “no smoking/no open flame” signs.
Mahamba said a business selling fireworks should have a licence from the police’s explosives unit as well as a certificate of registration from the chief fire officer.
To report any illegal use of fireworks, call the explosives unit on 012-393-2756 or the municipal health services on 012-358-8691.
Mahamba urged people to report trading in fireworks at intersections by street traders at the following metro police regional numbers:
– North-western suburbs like Soshanguve, Mabopane Ga-Rankuwa, Winterveld, and others to the office of Region 1 sector 1 at 2162 Block “U” Molefe Makinta, Mabopane or call 012-358-3607.
– The suburbs of Pretoria North and Akasia, and surrounding areas to the offices of Region 1 Sector 2, Station Square corner of Daan de Wet and Willem Cruywagen Drives, Klerksoord, Akasia or call 012-358-9512.
– Residents living in the North–eastern suburbs like Hammanskraal, Temba, Rens Town, Unit “D’ Unit “5’ and other areas to the office of Region 2 Sector 1 at 113 Lovers Lane, Mandela Village Hammanskraal or call 012-358-9887/8.
– The suburbs in Wonderboom, Sinoville, Magalieskruin,Montana,Doornpoort and other area to the offices of Region 2 Sector 2 in the Sinoville Centre at Brak Street corner of Marija Streets,Sinoville or call 012-543-1715 or 012-358-3600.
– Suburbs in the west of Pretoria like, Atteridgeville, Saulsville Hercules, Mountain View, and other areas to the offices of Region 3 Sector 1, Fire Building at Transoranje and Morkel Street or call 012-358-1905.
– The Pretoria CBD, Sunnyside, Arcadia, Hatfield, Die Moot, Brooklynn, Waterkloof, Lynnwood, and other areas to Rondalia Building, 174 Visagie Street or call 012-358-5900 or 012-321-0317 or 012-358-7095/6.
– Suburbs in Centurion, including Valhalla and Laudium, to the office of Region 8 at 193 Napier Road, Lyttelton or call 012-664-4445.
– Residents in Rayton, Cullinan, Refilwe and surrounding areas have to call the police station to report complaints about fireworks. Street firework traders trading could be reported at 012-358-6983/4 or 012-734-4120.
– Suburbs to the East of the N1 highway like East-lynn, Eersterust, Mamelodi, Silverton, Meyerspark, Lynnwood extensions, Waterkloof Glen, Constantia Park, Elarduspark, Moreleta Park, and surrounding areas to Region 6 office at 71 Boundry Ave, Sun Valley, Mamelodi-West or call 012-358-5216 or 012-358-5230.
– Residents in Bronkhorstspruit, Zithobeni, Ekangala Rethabiseng and surrounding areas have to call the nearest police station to report complaints about fireworks.
Street traders selling fireworks at intersections could be reported at 012-358-6855 or 013-932-3149
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