- Cape Town is on high alert for Guy Fawkes Day, urging residents to report illegal fireworks and stay vigilant.
- Safety measures focus on preventing assaults, stoning, and mob attacks, with extra security in high-risk areas.
- The City encourages pet owners to keep animals safe indoors during the celebrations.
The City’s Safety and Security Directorate and emergency services is on high alert and ready for any incidents of assault, stoning of vehicles or mob attacks during Guy Fawkes.
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith says authorities will focus on hotposts during Guy Fawkes activities which occurs on 5 November (today) each year.
“I want to appeal to the public at large to help maintain that momentum by calling out bad behaviour, and reporting those who insist on partaking in these destructive behaviours,” said Smith. “Our staff will be on high alert, but we also caution motorists to be careful, and for parents to keep a close eye on their children.”
The City warns that they will be clamping down on illegal fireworks and the macabre traditions associated with the day, that still remain prevalent in certain areas of the metropole.
Decline
According to the City, fireworks-related incidents declined by 31% in reported incidents.
“We have seen very encouraging signs in recent years of a downturn. “This downturn is in what passes for revelry around Guy Fawkes,” said Smith. “To pet owners – monitor your animals, and keep them indoors where possible, to minimise the risk of trauma from fireworks.”
Smith added that a ban on fireworks was the best solution.
“Unfortunately, that is outside of the City’s purview, but we will ensure that we play our part to curb it as best as possible.”
In a social media post last week, the Animal Welfare Society of SA said they anticipated lost and stray pets due to the terrifying effects of fireworks.
“We, therefore, appeal to pet owners to please identify their pet(s) preferably with a microchip or at least with a safe collar and tag,” the post read. “We further advise residents living in areas where fireworks will be released to adopt the following guidelines to protect their animals.”
- Ensure all animals have identification – sudden loud bangs can cause pet(s) to run away and get lost.
- If possible, stay at home with your pets if fireworks will be used nearby.
- Keep your pet(s) inside and preferably in a room that is safe and secure.
- Try to mask any noise by drawing the curtains and playing calming music at a reasonable volume.
- Put familiar and comforting things around them such as toys and baskets.
Meanwhile, Ward 72 councillor Kevin Southgate urges residents to report any incidents of illegal fireworks.
“I’m not in support of fireworks being discharged in residential communities as they increase the risk of fires and are a great source of stress and trauma to both humans and animals,” he said. “I would like to encourage residents to report incidents deemed to be illegal.”
Currently, there are no designated fireworks sites in Cape Town for Diwali, Guy Fawkes or New Year’s Eve.
- Residents are asked to report any incident, suspicious behaviour or criminal activity by phoning the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cellphone and 107 from a landline.
