The Philippi Community Police Forum has welcomed the sentencing of three members of the notorious Laughing Boys gang and their associate.

The CPF’s Yaseen Johaar says these types of judgements of serious crime are always welcomed, considering the poor conviction rate in the country. He believes the conviction and sentencing of criminals will aid in the societal change as people are held to account for their wrongful actions.

The Pollsmoor Circuit Court in Tokai sentenced the gangsters to life in prison following their reign of terror on the community of Hanover Park and Philippi. A fourth person, an associate was sentenced to eight years in jail for stashing weapons for the gang. One of the gangsters, Tyrone Davids was sentenced to five life terms for the murders of five people including a triple murder and an attempted murder of a baby. His sentences will run concurrently.

In 2020, the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) staged a take-down operation, arresting seven suspects on charges of murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. They were also charged under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). Three of the accused however were acquitted.