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A fireworks display. File photo.
- The sale and discharge of firecrackers, including on Guy Fawkes Day, is illegal under the Level 1 blockade, Nelson Mandela Bay warned.
- Two young men were arrested on the eve of Guy Fawkes for burning tires on Gail Road in Gelvandale.
- There are no designated areas identified to set off fireworks under the Level 1 lockdown.
The discharge of fireworks to mark Guy Fawkes Day has been banned by the Nelson Mandela Bay Township under lockdown level 1.
The announcement was made by the head of the subway safety and security portfolio, Councilor Queenie Pink.
Pink said that according to currently in force Covid-19 regulations, the discharge of fireworks is not allowed.
“Residents are advised to keep in mind that we are still at the Level 1 lockdown and there are no designated designated areas identified to light the fireworks,” he added.
Pink said that, under Level 1 of the lockdown, the City will also not allow anyone to sell or make fireworks available.
He added that burning of tires will not be allowed on the road, as this damages the road infrastructure.
On Wednesday, Port Elizabeth police announced that there would be zero tolerance for Guy Fawkes revelers starting fires in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro.
Police acted swiftly on Wednesday, arresting two children on the eve of Guy Fawkes Day for burning tires.
Port Elizabeth police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the boys, ages 12 and 14, were arrested at 5:10 p.m. on Gelvandale’s Gail Road under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act.
“The youths were arrested for balancing tires, this is when they burn the tires and roll them down the road or spin them to make sparks fly. This is very dangerous,” Naidu said.
However, the children were later released into the custody of their parents, Naidu said.
Naidu revealed that Helenvale, Gelvandale and Bethelsdorp are critical areas, that police are on high alert and will show strong visibility in these northern areas.
Naidu said: “Parents are advised to take control of their children during this time. Law 18 of 2015 amending criminal matters will be an integral part of the police strategies employed in these areas. In terms of this legislation, anyone that illegal and Intentionally damaging essential infrastructure is guilty of a crime. This will severely affect people who flash tires on the road surface as part of their ‘Guy Fawkes’ celebrations. “
Every November 5, millions of people around the world celebrate Guy Fawkes Day by lighting firecrackers and starting bonfires.
Pink added:
- No person may allow a minor under their supervision to light fireworks, and there is no exception to this rule.
- No person may light fireworks anywhere there are animals.
- No person may use fireworks in any school or nursing home.
- Even under normal circumstances, no person may use fireworks within 500 meters of a gas station or fuel tank without special authorization from the Council.
- No person or organization may host a fireworks display unless formally authorized by the council after giving at least 14 days notice prior to the display.
Clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Chief Explosives Inspector is also required, Pink said.
“At such an exhibition, if a permit has been granted, a SAPS explosives and pyrotechnics expert must be present at all times,” Pink said.
