According to Times Live, Cape Town’s law enforcement and emergency teams are ramping up preparations for Guy Fawkes Day, with an emphasis on curbing assault, illegal fireworks sales and discharges, vehicle stoning, and other troublesome activities often associated with the day. The city’s safety and security directorate has concentrated resources on known hotspot areas, aiming to address destructive behavior by youths, such as attacks on adults and elderly individuals using socks filled with paint.
In recent years, incidents related to illegal fireworks have decreased, with a 31% drop from 2022 to 2023. The city has no designated sites for fireworks for Diwali, Guy Fawkes, or New Year’s Eve, and permits are required for any legal displays. Safety and security MMC JP Smith urged the public to help sustain the downward trend by reporting misbehavior and advised pet owners to keep animals indoors to protect them from fireworks trauma.