Incident reports in recent years suggest a downturn in the illegal discharge of fireworks and marauding mobs usually associated with Guy Fawkes, but the Safety and Security Directorate will be on high alert again this year to respond to public complaints.
The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) has recorded decreases in complaints related to the illegal sale and discharge of fireworks. In 2024 the Fire and Rescue Service also did not respond to any incidents that were specifically linked to Guy Fawkes. Enforcement responses to anti-social behaviour too showed a decline, although officers were still kept very busy in areas such as Lavender Hill and its surrounds, Lotus River and Atlantis.
Downturn
“We’ve seen a marked downturn in the past two years of incidents reported to the City on Guy Fawkes Day,” said Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith. “We understand that there might well have been more incidents and that these were not reported, but we are encouraged nonetheless by the apparent decline. In a city where we grapple daily with violent crime and gun violence Guy Fawkes as a concept is nonsensical and traumatic for those in neighbourhoods where the tradition still rears its head. We will deploy resources to areas that have shown to be hotspots in the past, but I also call on the public to report any signs of criminality on the day to help keep the public safe.
In the first 20 days of October this year, the PECC recorded 45 incidents of the illegal discharge of fireworks, with more than half occurring over just four days, from the 17 October.
Complaints
Mitchell’s Plain and Bonteheuwel had the highest number of reports, with sporadic complaints in areas such as Heideveld, Macassar Village, Manenberg, Ocean View, Cravenby and Grassy Park.
“The discharge of fireworks is allowed only with a permit,” Smith said. “Officers will act if they catch anyone in the act of discharging fireworks, but it is best to snuff it out at the source. So if you see anyone selling fireworks on the roadside or at corner shops, and you’re not sure they have a permit for it, please do report it immediately.”
The PECC’s number is 021 480 7700.
