Despite 13 years of constant reminders by the Knysna Municipality that the discharge of fireworks is against the law, multiple warnings still seem to be falling on deaf ears.
Knysna's acting municipal manager, Johnny Douglas says a resolution was adopted by the Knysna Municipal Council in 2004, prohibiting the discharge of fireworks anywhere within Greater Knysna.
He says despite constant reminders, many residents and visitors still did not adhere to the by-law, resulting in near lawlessness on many of Greater Knysna beaches and residential areas this festive season.
Douglas says he finds the blatant disregard of the law quite shocking. Law enforcers fined 30 stores in the greater Knysna area.
He says despite this, visitors and residents still ignored the fact that fireworks were against the law.
It is not sure how many people broke the law but there was an increase in Leisure Isle, Buffels Bay and other beaches nearby.
Douglas says the municipality is already working on a strategy to combat this serious problem.
He says the setting off of fireworks in the Knysna area is illegal throughout the year and not just over the festive season.
