Three members of the notorious Laughing Boys gang have been sentenced 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.

Sentencing was handed down in the Pollsmoor Circuit Court which is located at the prison in Tokai.

One of the gangsters, Tyrone Davids was sentenced to five life terms for the murders of five people including a triple murder and the attempted murder of a baby. His sentences will run concurrently.

Police spokesperson, warrant officer, Joseph Swartbooi says in April 2019 the Anti-Gang Unit had set their sights on the gang.

In 2020, a takedown operation was conducted in which seven suspects were arrested 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.

The Western Cape police commissioner, Lieutenant general, Thembisile Patekile has lauded the sterling work done by the investigating officer and has warned criminals that they can run but they will never be able to hide from committed police officers.