Benonians furious about fireworks

Benonians took to Facebook to express their outrage about fireworks launched on New Year’s Eve.

Various community members wrote that their pets were injured while trying to escape from the loud noises.

Read:

Benoni animal organisations give report on effects of firework displays

“Some [person] in Newlands Avenue is busy with fireworks that sound like gunshots,” wrote one community member.

Another post explained how a couple’s Staffordshire bull terrier tried to jump over their wall that has electric fencing because of the fireworks a few days ago.

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) spokesperson Chief-Supt Wilfred Kgasago said by-laws to prevent illegal fireworks are very difficult to enforce.

“We received numerous complaints from the control room and officers were dispatched to confront the perpetrators, but when we arrived it was quiet,” he explained.

Kgasago said the community has to be careful as children and animals get hurt.

“We have seen a child who lost an eye in recent times,” he warned.

When asked if this New Year’s Eve was worse or better than previous years, he said fireworks are always dangerous and this festive event was no different than any other year.

“We are hoping people will act more responsibly in the future,” he said.

He also mentioned that fireworks that do not make any sounds when they are launched do exist.

He urged people to rather use those if they have a fireworks permit.

Kgasago said no fines were issued and no arrests were made on New Year’s Eve regarding fireworks.