KNYSNA NEWS - In reference to the upcoming British celebration of Guy Fawkes, Knysna municipal manager Kam Chetty quoted Greek philosopher Plato when he said, “Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws.”
He was reminding all residents and visitors that, in terms of community fire safety bylaw section 28(3), it is against the law to discharge any fireworks in Greater Knysna, which includes public open areas such as parks and beaches.
In addition, he said, the public nuisance bylaw prohibits the discharge of any fireworks, firearms, air guns or air pistols on any premises or in any street or public place.
As was the case in previous years, the municipal law enforcement officials will be visiting outlets and confiscate any fireworks found in their possession.
They will further remove any stockpiled tyres found in and around Greater Knysna in an effort to prevent the illegal burning of tyres on 5 November.
“We urge all residents to refrain from any unlawful actions that could result in the damage of roads and/or property.
"In terms of the community fire safety bylaw, offenders can be fined R500 or, in terms of the public nuisance bylaw, R1 000.
"Offenders can also be arrested and even criminally or civilly prosecuted,” said Chetty.
Operational plan for Greater Knysna
- Officials are currently removing tyres in all areas and also visiting all retail outlets, confiscating any fireworks found. They will continue to do so until after 5 November.
- Eight law enforcement officials will be on duty within Greater Knysna from Friday 3 November.
- Law Enforcement will further perform visible policing in known hotspots from Saturday 4 November until Monday 6 November.
- The officer in charge of law enforcement, Lorraine Witbooi, can be contacted at 072 425 1629.
- Four traffic officers will be on duty to assist law enforcement officials from Friday.
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