Think before you light that fuse this New Year

SOUTH AFRICA – As part of the Safer Festive Season Operations the South African Police Service working together with other law enforcement agencies, continue with various operations to ensure community safety among others by enforcing compliance with various legislation including the Explosives Act, 1956 (Act No. 26 of 1956).

The use or discharge of fireworks during the celebration of the New Year is one of the aspects which must be done cautiously and in compliance with the regulations to avoid injuries. As a result, the public is reminded that fireworks in South Africa are controlled in terms of the Explosives Act, 1956. Furthermore, various local authorities have specific by-laws that regulate the use or exploding of fireworks.

The public is therefore urged to take note that it shall be unlawful for any person to use or explode any firework:

– Within 500 meters of any explosives magazine, explosives factory, petroleum depot or gasometer.

– In any building or any public thoroughfare.

– In any other public place or resort, except with the prior written permission of the local authority.

Police in the province would like to reiterate that only dealers that are licenced in terms of the Explosives Act, and who are in possession of valid licences issued by an inspector, may deal in the sale of fireworks. No fireworks may be sold by a street hawker or vendor at a flea market, from the boot of a vehicle or trailer as this is in contravention of the Explosives Act, 1956.

Any person who by any act or omission commits a breach of any of the regulations, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding R600.00 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months, or to both such fine and such imprisonment. The explosives that were used to commit the offence with, may be confiscated, in which case the cost of disposal thereof shall be borne by the accused.