JOHANNESBURG – The Ekurhuleni metro says it has taken strong disciplinary action against three of its metro police officers who set off fireworks during the festive season.
SPCA officials and other firework activists were outraged at their behaviour after People Against Fireworks member Paul White witnessed three metro officers setting off fireworks in Windmill Park, Springs.
“I was at work when I heard a thunderous explosion and then another shortly afterwards. I walked across to Windmill Park in 12th Street. As I approached a white Citi Golf, I could not believe what I was seeing. These loud bangs were the acts of none other than our own metro’s finest,� said White.
He said the uniformed officers were standing in the park putting crackers in two-litre bottles and then setting them alight.
EMPD Superintendent Vusi Mabanga said they saw the officers’ actions in a very serious light. “A written notice has been issued to the men in question�, Mabanga said. The conduct of the officers had disgraced the department, he said.
He also confirmed that although fireworks were set off all across Springs over the festive season, not a single fine was issued.
Although SPCA officials and other Springs residents reported incidents, Mabanga said there was no record of any complaint. He promised to look into the matter.
Democratic Alliance councillor Jackie Riley – who has been an anti-fireworks activist for many years – said that she had received calls of complaint from all over the East Rand.
“For four years now, the Ekurhuleni Metro has been promising to start a programme that would teach people the by-laws.
“They also said they were hoping for a fines system, but it seems these promises have been made in vain,� Riley said. – CNS.
SPCA officials and other firework activists were outraged at their behaviour after People Against Fireworks member Paul White witnessed three metro officers setting off fireworks in Windmill Park, Springs.
“I was at work when I heard a thunderous explosion and then another shortly afterwards. I walked across to Windmill Park in 12th Street. As I approached a white Citi Golf, I could not believe what I was seeing. These loud bangs were the acts of none other than our own metro’s finest,� said White.
He said the uniformed officers were standing in the park putting crackers in two-litre bottles and then setting them alight.
EMPD Superintendent Vusi Mabanga said they saw the officers’ actions in a very serious light. “A written notice has been issued to the men in question�, Mabanga said. The conduct of the officers had disgraced the department, he said.
He also confirmed that although fireworks were set off all across Springs over the festive season, not a single fine was issued.
Although SPCA officials and other Springs residents reported incidents, Mabanga said there was no record of any complaint. He promised to look into the matter.
Democratic Alliance councillor Jackie Riley – who has been an anti-fireworks activist for many years – said that she had received calls of complaint from all over the East Rand.
“For four years now, the Ekurhuleni Metro has been promising to start a programme that would teach people the by-laws.
“They also said they were hoping for a fines system, but it seems these promises have been made in vain,� Riley said. – CNS.