Ban fireworks, don’t name Guy Fawkes

THIS is an open letter to the politicians, the law enforcement agencies and the media houses.

South Africa is under attack due to sounds of firearms in our suburbs.

To add more psychological terror, for years, during Guy Fawkes celebrations, people set off fireworks with no care for people or animals.

A few days ago, a community rumour spread that there is a ban on the sale of fireworks and that the usual so-called “legal safe havens” identified by the City officials do not exist at all.

With this peace of mind, my wife and I travelled to Lansdowne Road and, to our horror, we saw a shop setting up a huge banner – advertising that fireworks are on sale.

I then called the Lansdowne police station to report the shop and was told that the sale of fireworks is illegal but that law enforcement deals with this issue. I drove to the Ottery law enforcement up the road and, upon hearing my complaint, they told me that it is not their responsibility. I then called the 107 emergency and reported the shop advertising fireworks for sale and was told no one is allowed to sell fireworks, and my complaint as being logged. I was given a reference number: 1000604268.

Later, I was told through WhatsApp that people with permits can sell fireworks. Now, there are no designated areas this year to set off fireworks but certain shops can sell fireworks. Where do people now ignite foreworks? The terrifying answer: anywhere! This does not make sense!

Cape Town must ban the sale of fireworks and the media should not mention the name Guy Fawkes. KEITH BLAKE | Ottery