MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Mossel Bay Municipality forbids the discharging of any fireworks.
Only one legal fireworks show will take place - on old year's night at the Hartenbos Seefront.
A written application was made for this and permission was granted in writing.
For the rest of the greater Mossel Bay area, fireworks are strictly forbidden. Visitors to town are advised to take note of this.
Municipal spokesperson Colin Puren said people who have not obtained prior permission to discharge fireworks, will be guilty of a criminal offence if they discharge them. "If they are found guilty, they can be fined or imprisoned or both."
Besides the fire danger because it is extremely dry in the current drought, fireworks are also a danger to animals and pets. Dogs, desperate to escape from the terrifying sight and sound of the fireworks, often jump fences or even try to jump through closed windows in an attempt to escape.
Besides the injury caused to the pets, motorists are also endangered by the fleeing pets.
Complaints regarding the illegal discharge of fireworks can be made to your closest police station or municipal law enforcement officers (044 606 5000).
The complainant will have to make a written statement.
In terms of the role of the police in the prevention of fireworks in Mossel Bay, Da Gamaskop Police spokesperson Wollie Fourie confirmed: "Only licensed dealers may sell fireworks."
He said the licensed dealers had to comply with the provisions of the Explosives Act, 1956 (Act 26 of 1956) and the Explosives Regulations, 1972.
Any member of the police or a municipal law enforcement officer can inspect a licensed dealer to ensure compliance with legislation and regulations.
Licensed dealers must have an original colour-stamped licence to deal in fireworks.
Capt Fourie said hawkers and stalls may not deal in fireworks and "temporary licences or authorities" do not exist. Fireworks may not be sold to children under the age of 16 years.
He went on to list the companies that are licensed dealers in the Mossel Bay area: Steyns Mica (Bland Street); Bay Guns, Mossel Bay; Cash Crusaders, Mossel Bay; the More and More R5 Store, Mossel Bay; Choppers in Great Brak River.
Capt Fourie noted that regulation 10.34 of the explosives regulations states: It shall be unlawful for any person to use or explode any firework:
n Within 500 metres of any explosives magazine, explosives factory, petroleum depot, or gasometer;
n In any building or on any public thoroughfare; or
n On any public place or resort except with the prior written permission of the local authority.
The yellow and coloured boxes of Pop Pop snappers are exempted from the Explosives Act as the product does not comply with the definition or composition of fireworks.
Capt Fourie stressed that complainants about fireworks should understand that, as with any other complaint, they will have to submit an affidavit for the police to investigate.
Vague and hearsay information could unfortunately not be investigated, he said.
'We bring you the latest Mossel Bay, Garden Route news'
