EDITOR – I write with such sadness – on Sunday night, 3 November, Scottburgh South was turned into a war zone with the loudest bangs I have ever heard.
Our dogs were petrified, shaking, panting and absolutely terrified.
I walked down the road to try and identify the house where the bangs were coming from. When I got to the Margaret Avenue home, I advised the owner that his behaviour was totally unacceptable. He accused me of being racist. I pointed out that Diwali is the festival of lights – not the festival of bangs.
He went on and on about him being Indian and me being racist. I would like to point out that I am not racist, but I am an animal lover and that the unacceptable noise was traumatising the animals, and not only mine but those of the entire neighbourhood. I telephoned the SAPS and was told that it was a municipal problem, not a police problem and that I should report it to the municipality. I was led to believe that the Umdoni Municipality is a firework-free zone.
Has something changed? So then how effective is the following: “The SPCA guide to the laws and regulations – The Explosives Act No 26 of 1956 – This law applies nationwide with no exceptions. It is unlawful to discharge any firework in any building, on any public thoroughfare or in any public place or resort without prior written permission of the local authority. (Section 10.34) Section 10.35 relates to public displays of fireworks and states that no person may do so on any premises without the written permission of the Chief Inspector of Explosives (commonly known as ‘having a permit’). This written permission will stipulate conditions and any non-compliance with them is a criminal offence. In terms of the Explosives Act, no person shall allow or permit any children under the age of 16 to handle or use fireworks except under the supervision of an adult person. This Act is enforced by the South African Police Service (SAPS) not by the SPCA. Please report any offences to your nearest SAPS, giving as many details as you possibly can and quoting the Act name and number plus the relevant section as given above.”
Is there anyone out that who can give me a decent answer as to why the bangs were allowed and when called, the SAPS would do nothing? Answers please.
This is a severe situation that needs to be addressed – before New Year’s Eve – when we start all over again.
BRONWYN TANNER
