Cops have started to crack down on huiswinkels in Heideveld where owners are selling fireworks illegally ahead of Guy Fawkes Day celebrations next month.
Acting Manenberg Police Station commander, Colonel Sanele Zama, says the illegal sale of fireworks is wreaking havoc in Heideveld as people can’t tell the klappertjie noise from the sound of gunfire.
He says worried residents are reporting shootings, sending cops into a frenzy.
So on Tuesday, along with Law Enforcement officials, they embarked on a clean-up operation targeting huiswinkels.
“The problem ahead of Guy Fawkes (5 November) is that all the house shops start selling crackers and children are letting these things off in a residential area which is not allowed,” says Zama.
COMPLAINTS: Sanele Zama
“We have been inundated with complaints about crackers and so we visited seven properties highlighted as a problem.
“Only one of the house shops was positive where crackers were found and the owner was fined R1500.
“This is a big problem because dogs are becoming distressed and running away and owners come to the
station looking for their pets. We will continue with these operations.”
City safety boss JP Smith, says this year the City has decided not to designate sites for the discharging fireworks on Guy Fawkes Day.
He says this decision was based on the growing public sentiment opposing the use of fireworks, the associated costs and complaints from subcouncils.
“The point of having designated sites was to control the situation and that has worked for 10 years but there is growing opposition to fireworks on Guy Fawkes Day and the associated ongoings like smearing,” says Smith.
STASH: Seven Heideveld residences were raided for illegal sale of klappertjies. Picture supplied
He says residents who show up to old designated sites like Strandfontein Pavilion on Guy Fawkes Day will not be stopped from entering but if caught lighting fireworks, they will be fined.
“You cannot prevent access to a public site. People are free to visit those locations but if they let off fireworks, they will be fined,” warns Smith.
In terms of the Explosives Act, the detonation of fireworks in public, and the illegal sale of fireworks, could result in fines of up to R300.