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Lumbidzani Dima, Chronicle Reporter
POLICE have warned the public against the illegal use of fire crackers on New Year’s Eve and afterwards as they will be arrested.

It has always been a norm to blow fire crackers on December 31, as a way of welcoming the New Year.
However, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has prohibited the use of firecrackers to avoid all the dangers they pose to humans and even animals.

Firecrackers cause confusion, anxiety and fear into the lives of animals, causing many to run away from their homes into the streets, which is dangerous to members of the public as they can get injured due to bites and accidents.

It has been proven that the noise and unpredictability of fireworks leads many dogs to perceive them as a threat. This triggers their fight-or-flight response. Fire crackers lead to dogs showing signs of anxiety, restlessness, panting, pacing and whining.

Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said fireworks are harmful to an extent of killing humans.

“Some, if not all firecrackers are so dangerous that they can harm, injure or even kill a person,” he said.

In the past, there have been reports of people who have faced health and other dangers caused by firecrackers. Thus, this measure is for the people’s best interests.

“Experience has shown that some children have even lost their eyes as they were playing with these fire crackers, so everyone should guard against the use of those fire crackers during New Year’s Eve,” said Insp Ncube.

The police will be on patrol and anyone found in possession of firecrackers will be arrested.

“Once we come across anyone selling or dealing with firecrackers they will be arrested. Whoever is playing around them and gets arrested should not cry foul,” said Insp Ncube.

He urged members of the public to stop buying fire crackers for children, as they are not allowed to be used.