With the beginning of Diwali celebrations, which see fireworks lighting up the sky, cases of injuries caused by fireworks may become prevalent.
People in residential areas may discharge fireworks and there is no restriction on time.
It is important for residents to note, however, what the noise control regulations are and how they pertain to fireworks in Ekurhuleni.
In a previous article, Chief Superintendent Wilfred Kgasago, spokesperson for the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) shared the regulations regarding disturbance of the peace and Gauteng noise control regulations.
In Section 42 of the regulations, it states that no person shall discharge fireworks without the prior written consent from the EMPD.
Such written consent is called a fireworks permit.
The fireworks permit is readily available and produced on request by the chief inspector of explosives.
Anyone who fails to get a permit shall be guilty of an offence and will have to pay a penalty fine of R2 000.
Under the Gauteng Noise Control (Health and Environmental Health) regulation 9(d), a penalty will be given for the discharge of fireworks in a residential area in a manner which may cause a noise nuisance.
Offenders will be liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding R20 000.
According to the Firework Contraventions Explosives Act 26/1956, it is an offence to illegally deal in and/or sell fireworks.
The most common offence is selling fireworks without a licence on pavements or outside licensed premises.
The possession of unlicensed fireworks is an offence.
Records should be kept of all fireworks.
Captain Johannes Ramphora, spokesperson for the Springs police, previously advised on the importance of the fireworks being kept behind counters in shops.
There should also be a sign that shows “no smoking” inside a shop which sells fireworks.
“Fireworks should not be sold to children under 16 and they should not be allowed to handle fireworks without adult supervision.
“Any person breaching the rules and regulations of this Act will be guilty of an offence and will be fined R600 or sentenced to jail for a period not exceeding 12 months,” says Ramphora.
To report a disturbance of the peace, call the Ekurhuleni Call Centre on 0860 543 000.
