HUGE spike in fireworks incidents in Cape Town

The City of Cape Town has recorded a staggering 344 fireworks-related incidents.

Despite residents being warned against the sale and use of fireworks, these incidents have more than doubled since last year.

SPIKE IN FIREWORKS INCIDENTS

According to the City, they received 156 calls between 3 and 5 November 2025. For the same period this year, they received 344 calls. On this week’s Guy Fawkes Day alone, they recorded 243 incidents in relation to the discharge of fireworks.

Fireworks incidents reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) included hotspot areas such as Saxonsea, Lentegeur, Hanover Park, Surrey Estate, Manenberg, Mamre, Bonteheuwel and The Hague. The number of incidents could potentially be higher, as not all of these may have been reported to the PECC.

Officers faced difficulties in catching persons in the act, as groups were continually on the move.

Additionally, the PECC were also notified of incidents of sporadic stone throwing and anti-social behaviour.

‘NO PLACE FOR GUY FAWKES IN OUR COMMUNITIES’

Wayne Dyason, the spokesperson for the Law Enforcement Department, strongly condemned these incidents. He also criticised Guy Fawkes Day and the issues that arise from this annual commemorative event.

“The unnecessary disruption, noise nuisance, violence and criminal elements that take advantage of disorderly situations have once again proved that there should be no place for Guy Fawkes in our communities,” said Dyason.

“It has once again traumatised residents in affected communities and has put an extra burden on enforcement resources. The message should be clear: no more Guy Fawkes. We hope that communities will assist officers in reporting the discharge of fireworks and that we will see a decline in incidents next year. We all have a duty to act responsibly.”

To report fireworks-related incidents to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre, you can do so by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone. Alternatively, you can utilise the Safety and Security reporting feature on the City app.

In similar news, a Cape Town dog died after becoming impaled on a security gate while attempting to flee Guy Fawkes fireworks.