DURBAN Metropolitan Police spokesperson has warned those who do not follow the rules governing the use of fireworks that they may face a fine of up to R3 500 for letting off fireworks in public or outside of the times set out for their use. 

“Fireworks being let off on public roads is becoming a huge problem in the Malvern, Escombe and Queensburgh areas,” said Senior Superintendent Parboo Sewpersad, spokesperson of Durban Metropolitan Service, on Tuesday (10 November).

He said the problem is also present in other areas but  said it seems to be especially bad in Escombe.  

“The Durban Metropolitan Police Service will immediately act upon these brazen perpetrators who are challenging and flouting the bylaws” he said.

When are fireworks permitted?

Sewpersad said the only times firework are permitted to be used for the the rest of the year was on Diwali, which is celebrated on Saturday, 14 November – after sunset until midnight – and then on New Year’s eve on Saturday, 31 December. 

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“In some municipalities, permits are required, in other areas there is dispensation for Diwali fireworks between specified times,” said Sewpersad.

“We especially appeal to everyone celebrating to use those fireworks without the loud bags, to be considerate of animals, their neighbours and community members who may also suffer and to abide by the laws and regulations pertaining to the use of fireworks,” he added.

Appeal to pet owners

Sewpersad advised pet owners to stay at home with their pets, particularly if they are frightened of fireworks. 

“Alternatively try and ensure that someone is able to watch them for you or keep your pets inside, draw the curtains and play calming music or the radio,” he suggested adding that entertaining pets by giving them something to chew on or play will can distract them from the loud bangs.   

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“Please ensure that your animals have some form of identity for example a collar and tag, with your contact details on the tag, and/or microchip. Microchipping can be done by your local vet or contact the SPCA on 031 764 1212/3 to get your pet microchipped,” he said.

“The loud bangs, which very often accompany fireworks, cause animals great distress, fear and suffering as their hearing is far more acute than ours. Some animals cause injury to themselves by jumping through glass windows, over spiked fences or by running into traffic as examples,” he explained.

“Consult your vet or local SPCA for calming medication,” he also said but warned against giving medication intended for humans to animals.
Explosives Act

Enforcement

While calling the SPCA, if your find a lost pet, is a good idea, Sewpersad said they are not the right body to send reports of fireworks being discharged illegally.

“The SPCA does not enforce the laws relating to the use of fireworks,” said Sewpersad.

“The Explosives Act is enforced by the SAPS to whom matters of concern need to be reported. This Act covers the sale of fireworks as well as issues relating to the discharge of fireworks in public places,” he said explaining why any public discharge of fireworks needs to be reported to SAPS.
Metro police

“Local by-laws regulate the discharge of fireworks on private property,” said Sewpersad adding that Metro police in the greater Queensburgh area have had many problems since the beginning of November with people who go outside their yards and discharge fireworks and crackers on the road. 

“The Durban Metropolitan Police has recently seen a new trend of a few residents leaving their driveways or property outside their residence and using other innocent residents’ driveways on the same roadway. They use bully tactics and let off fireworks on a public roadway,” said the spokesperson. 

“They tend to leave the after burn from the fireworks on the public road and when the wind changes direction the mess they left behind blows onto innocent residents’ property,” he said.

Contact

Metro Police can be contacted on 031 311 6000, and should provide a reference no.  Stray and lost animals can be taken to the Kloof and Highway SPCA standby kennels 24 hours a day.  For injured animals or emergencies call 031 7641212/3 office hours or 073 335 9322 after hours.
Fines

Sewpersad advised that people who do not comply with the law and by-laws governing firework use would face fines of up to R3 500 as the admission of guilt fine for discharging fireworks on the road is R1 000, and the fine for discharging of fireworks in public is R2 500 in terms of sections 21 and 22 of the city’s 2015 nuisance bylaws.