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Crime Reporter

Police have reminded the public that those intending to light fireworks on New Year’s Eve are required to have advance police or local authority permission and need to tell their neighbours, or they face arrest and prosecution for making a public nuisance.

They can be made to pay a Level 5 fine or be jailed for six months, police have reminded would-be noisy merrymakers.

According to the law, the person must seek permission from their local authority if they wish to let off fireworks in an urban area.

If they fail to get this, they can be charged for creating a public nuisance under Section 46 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act.

The Third Schedule of that Act lists the public nuisances, and number 2(C) is: “Without the permission of the appropriate authority, makes a fire or lets off fireworks manufactured for the purpose of amusement, in a public place.”

Firecrackers have fuses and are wrapped in heavy paper casing that contains the explosive compound.

While firecrackers are popular, those lighting them need to know what they are doing, and be sober, and there must be close adult supervision when children use them.

In an interview yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said anyone found on the wrong side of the law risks being arrested and prosecuted.

“We would want to reiterate that anyone who wants to use fireworks must notify the police in advance and get the necessary clearance. They should also notify their neighbours well in advance. These are dangerous and may lead to serious harm. In recent years, we have dealt with cases in which minors have been seriously injured; and we are trying to avoid this,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyathi said police will be on high alert to thwart illegal activities.

Besides the danger to people and property, firecrackers cause confusion, anxiety and fear in the lives of animals, causing many to run away from their homes into the streets, which is dangerous to members of the public as they can get injured due to bites and accidents.

It has been proven that the noise and unpredictability of fireworks leads many dogs to perceive them as a threat.  This triggers their fight-or-flight response.

Fire crackers lead to dogs showing signs of anxiety, restlessness, panting, pacing and whining.

In the past, there have been reports of people who have faced health and other dangers caused by firecrackers. Thus, this measure is for the people’s best interests.

Reports have shown that some children have even lost their eyes as they were using fire crackers.