Tshwane warns about fireworks
As the festive mood sets in, the Tshwane metro police warned on Monday that individuals and businesses found contravening fireworks by-laws across the city will face consequences.
Any person who wants to sell fireworks from their business premises should have applied before November 23 and the renewals date closed on December 11. Applicants must (have) applied for a licence at the South African Police Service’s Explosives Unit,” said spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba.
He said physical inspections were done to the applicant businesses, which sought to sell the fireworks, by a fire safety officer.
“The inspection is done to see whether the business complies with fire safety legislation and requirements, for instance, there must be no obstructions in front of the fire extinguishers, there must be “no smoking/no open flame” signs, fireworks must be kept behind counters,” said Mahamba.
“When a business obtains a licence from the SAPS Explosives Unit, the business must then also apply at the municipal offices of the chief fire officer for a certificate of registration.
Thus, a business selling fireworks must have a licence from the SAPS Explosives Unit as well as a certificate of registration from the chief fire officer.”
He said businesses selling fireworks without the certificate of registration will receive a spot fine of R2 500 “with an additional fine for any other fire safety violations found”.
“Furthermore, these businesses are warned against illegally advertising fireworks on traffic signs and pavements. Additional fines may be hefted in these cases,” said Mahamba.
He said individuals using the noisy, explosive devices will not go unpunished.
“People using fireworks without the approval of the Chief Fire Officer can receive a spot fine of R2 500.00 in terms of the Tshwane Fire Brigade Services by-laws.
Furthermore, these offenders can also be fined in terms of the Gauteng Noise Control Regulations.”
Mahamba urged Pretoria residents to notify the police about all trade in fireworks at intersections by street traders.
Numerous Tshwane metro police officers were milling around most intersections across Pretoria CBD on Monday.
Photo: Getty images