A feared Jeffreys Bay gang leader who led a campaign of housebreakings and robberies that left residents too intimidated to speak out has been sentenced to life imprisonment. The breakthrough came after the investigating officer launched a community awareness campaign encouraging residents to come forward with information. A resident subsequently reported an assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, providing detectives from the SAPS Jeffreys Bay Serious and Violent Crime Unit with a crucial lead. Police said Smith fled Jeffreys Bay after realising he was being sought by investigators. She said police would continue working to protect communities and reclaim neighbourhoods from gang violence.