MOSSEL BAY NEWS - With the celebration of the New Year just around the corner, the Mossel Bay Municipality has said that the Hartenbos Seefront is the only SAPS-approved pyrotechnic display in the Mossel Bay Municipal area.
It stated the municipal by-laws prohibit the selling and firing of fireworks, in line with police regulations.
The municipality indicated fines are issued to those in transgression if caught red-handed, and any fireworks confiscated are then handed to the police for safe-keeping and discarding.
"The SAPS, as the mandated authority, can be contacted regarding the issuing of permits as well as the keeping and selling of fireworks," it said.
It further stated that only the police issue permits for the sale of fireworks and can approve pyrotechnic displays.
It added that its law enforcement officers confiscated “Tom Thumb crackers” from youngsters in Hartenbos last weekend.
The Tom Thumb crackers were confiscated from youngsters in Hartenbos. Photo: Mossel Bay Municipality
Municipal officials and law enforcement are conducting continuous inspections. It said fines of R1500–R2000 apply for unlawful discharge of fireworks and that setting "off marine flares for fun is dangerous, irresponsible, and illegal".
To report the discharge of fireworks, call 044 606 5000 or law enforcement 044 606 5204.
"Any member of the public witnessing the unlawful setting off of fireworks, and who wants to pursue the matter, must be willing to make an affidavit regarding the event and circumstances," said the municipality.
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