Staff Reporter

THE Namibian Police’s persistent warnings against the reckless use of aerial fireworks and the unauthorised discharge of firearms during celebrations have clearly fallen on deaf ears.

Both the illegal discharge of firearms and the unrestrained possession and dangerous display of fireworks were apparent in towns, rural villages and informal settlements during the early morning hours of Thursday.

Video: Contributed

In one case in the Oneshila informal settlement, an underage boy obtained fireworks and ignited them inside the house. “I was sitting outside when I heard an explosion inside the house. When I rushed inside, I found a lot of smoke,” said the boy’s father, adding that although no one was injured and there was no damage, the incident highlighted the risk of children secretly obtaining explosives and bringing them home.

There is also a video clip in which a woman discharges a firearm (shotgun) recklessly as she celebrates the coming of the New Year.

NamPol’s Frieda Shikole said: “We have repeatedly warned against the discharge of firearms in public places and also warned against unauthorised fireworks displays.”

According to her, only people aged 16 and above are permitted to acquire fireworks, and after acquiring them, they must also obtain police permission as well as a permit from the local authority in the case of town dwellers.

She said every citizen has an obligation to report anyone using a firearm recklessly, thereby endangering lives.

The post NamPol once again warns against dangerous celebrations appeared first on Informanté.