The police have heightened vigilance against the illicit trade of commercial explosives and fireworks.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli says this forms part of the Safer Festive Season operations.
”Under the Explosives Act and general safety regulations, it is a criminal offense to discharge fireworks within 500 metres radius of any petrol station, hospital, clinic, or animal welfare organization. It is strictly unlawful to point or direct a firework at any person, animal, motor vehicle, or building. The Explosives Act and Regulations prohibit discharging fireworks in a way that causes a noise nuisance or endangers the lives of others, including their property,” he explains.
The SAPS takes the safety of minors very seriously. “Many children have lost their eyes, or had their fingers and hands blown off because of the unsupervised use of fireworks, mostly as a result of negligence from adults. Houses burn to the ground, and families lose their livelihood because someone pointed a firework at a structure.”
The Act explicitly states that it is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 16. Children under 16 years of age are prohibited from handling or using fireworks unless they are under the direct supervision of an adult. Parents or guardians can be held criminally liable (and fined) if a minor under their care is found using fireworks unsupervised.
Not all fireworks sold are legal. Only buy fireworks from authorized dealers who display SAPS-approved Permits. Street vendors and hawkers are selling them illegally, and these products often lack safety instructions or quality control.
Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to immediate police intervention. Penalties typically include seizure of all fireworks in your possession. For serious offences (like causing a fire or injury), you can be charged under the Explosives Act, which carries the risk of imprisonment.
Beyond the Explosives Act, the Animals Protection Act also applies. Causing “unnecessary suffering” to animals through the use of fireworks is a prosecutable offense.
How to be safe: Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby. Never try to re-light a “dud” firework. If you witness illegal sales or dangerous usage, you should contact your local SAPS station.
Important Reminder: If you find something that looks like a commercial explosive (e.g., a “stick” with wires), do not touch it. Close off the area and wait for the SAPS Bomb Squad.
To report any incidents of a criminal nature, call the police crimeline on 0860010111, call an emergency number 112 or drop an anonymous tip-off on MySapsApp.
