| 2023/07/15 |
Media Statement The maxim to start with the end in mind was the motto of the investigating officer when he and a team of investigators strategized how they could stop the reign of a gang grouping on the Cape Flats responsible for gang violence. The Laughing Boys gang was a criminal entity who terrorised the community in Hanover Park and Philippi. They committed serious and violent crimes and were involved in dealing in drugs and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Detectives attached to the Anti-Gang Unit registered a project in April 2019 which focussed on the activities of this notorious gang. During 2020, a takedown operation was conducted in which they secured the arrest of seven suspects on charges of murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The suspects were also charged with the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. The investigating officer assigned to the case pursued all the relevant information and remained committed to keep the suspects behind bar. After a lengthy trial three of the accused were acquitted whilst one suspect was sentenced 18 years in prison and three suspects sentenced to life in prison. The Provincial Police Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile lauded the sterling investigation done by the investigating officer and his commitment to ensure the harsh sentences. He re-iterated that criminals in this Province can run but will never be able to hide from committed police officers. Ends
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