Illegal firework users warned
Despite a long-standing ban on the use of all fireworks and crackers without legal authorisation, many Namibians are gearing up to unleash these displays over the weekend.
The Windhoek City Police have confirmed that patrols will be intensified over the New Year's weekend to clamp down on illegal shebeens, noise pollution, fireworks and crimes.
City Police spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent Cillie Auala, told Namibian Sun that fireworks remain prohibited within the city limits and can only be used if a special permit is issued by the Namibian Police explosives unit.
The ban on fireworks has been in place for decades and includes any type of fireworks, whether big or small, and persons caught using them without the necessary permits will be fined and their fireworks confiscated.
A major cause of concern regarding the use of fireworks is the impact on domestic and wild animals.
Fireworks cause severe anxiety, fear and confusion in animals, as they have much more sensitive senses, including hearing and smell, than humans. Animal protection services have warned pet owners to take extra care to keep their pets safe over the weekend, ensuring that they are kept indoors and that they are helped to remain calm.
Pet rescuers in Namibia say that in desperation, pets often try to escape the smells, sounds and other effects of fireworks by trying to flee the area.
Incidents of animals escaping through burglar bars and jumping over razor-wire fences, or running through glass doors, severely injuring themselves, have been reported.
Owners who leave their pets alone are often faced with a missing pet when they return.
Auala also warned that in terms of the City's noise control regulations, anyone found causing a disturbance by broadcasting loud noises, including speeches and music, within their homes or vehicles will be fined N$1 000. Moreover, a person or persons holding a public event that causes a noise disturbance to the surrounding area, without prior permission from city authorities, can be fined N$2 000.
Auala said that large groups wishing to celebrate the end of 2017 and the start of the New Year are advised to make use of official city recreational facilities such as Goreangab Dam, Parkies or Avis Dam.
She added, however, that the operational hours of these areas must be adhered to.
She said the City Police would continue to monitor shebeens, which are prohibited from operating on public holidays.
“Alcohol is still the number one contributor when it comes to all forms of violence, including assault and domestic violence. Alcohol is also a main contribution to accidents. Many people still driver under the influence of alcohol.”
She said all alcohol outlets need to adhere to operating hours stipulated by law, and even those with special licences to operate on public holidays need to adhere to the hours stipulated.
Auala said City Police patrols would cover large areas to ensure that lawlessness remains at a minimum, but asked that property owners take note of the risks when they leave their homes unattended.
“Crime in general has decreased this festive season, as our statistics show. But housebreaking remains a concern and most homes are broken into when they are left unattended.”
JANA-MARI SMITH
The Windhoek City Police have confirmed that patrols will be intensified over the New Year's weekend to clamp down on illegal shebeens, noise pollution, fireworks and crimes.
City Police spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent Cillie Auala, told Namibian Sun that fireworks remain prohibited within the city limits and can only be used if a special permit is issued by the Namibian Police explosives unit.
The ban on fireworks has been in place for decades and includes any type of fireworks, whether big or small, and persons caught using them without the necessary permits will be fined and their fireworks confiscated.
A major cause of concern regarding the use of fireworks is the impact on domestic and wild animals.
Fireworks cause severe anxiety, fear and confusion in animals, as they have much more sensitive senses, including hearing and smell, than humans. Animal protection services have warned pet owners to take extra care to keep their pets safe over the weekend, ensuring that they are kept indoors and that they are helped to remain calm.
Pet rescuers in Namibia say that in desperation, pets often try to escape the smells, sounds and other effects of fireworks by trying to flee the area.
Incidents of animals escaping through burglar bars and jumping over razor-wire fences, or running through glass doors, severely injuring themselves, have been reported.
Owners who leave their pets alone are often faced with a missing pet when they return.
Auala also warned that in terms of the City's noise control regulations, anyone found causing a disturbance by broadcasting loud noises, including speeches and music, within their homes or vehicles will be fined N$1 000. Moreover, a person or persons holding a public event that causes a noise disturbance to the surrounding area, without prior permission from city authorities, can be fined N$2 000.
Auala said that large groups wishing to celebrate the end of 2017 and the start of the New Year are advised to make use of official city recreational facilities such as Goreangab Dam, Parkies or Avis Dam.
She added, however, that the operational hours of these areas must be adhered to.
She said the City Police would continue to monitor shebeens, which are prohibited from operating on public holidays.
“Alcohol is still the number one contributor when it comes to all forms of violence, including assault and domestic violence. Alcohol is also a main contribution to accidents. Many people still driver under the influence of alcohol.”
She said all alcohol outlets need to adhere to operating hours stipulated by law, and even those with special licences to operate on public holidays need to adhere to the hours stipulated.
Auala said City Police patrols would cover large areas to ensure that lawlessness remains at a minimum, but asked that property owners take note of the risks when they leave their homes unattended.
“Crime in general has decreased this festive season, as our statistics show. But housebreaking remains a concern and most homes are broken into when they are left unattended.”
JANA-MARI SMITH
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