Eleven of the 13 accused in the Jeppestown massacre were on Thursday given four life sentences each by the Johannesburg High Court for the murders of four police officers.
Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng also gave them 40 years each for other crimes relating to the incident.
Fanie Schoeman, brother of slain police Sergeant Gert Schoeman told journalists: "I'm happy that it's over, but we can't say that justice has been served, because they took my brother away.
"The message that the judge gave to other criminals is a good one... Police are there to protect us, it doesn't matter what background you come from, you should know what is right and what is wrong," he said with tears in his eyes.
Those with life sentences are Nkosinathi Mzamo Mchunu, of Hillbrow; Sizwe Mbuyazi, of Joubert Park; Khumbulani Mabaso, of Johannesburg CBD; Sizwe Dlamini, of Fairview; Sihle Mdunge, of Hillbrow; Muzulelwa Vezi, of Johannesburg's Bree Street; Siyanda Mgomezulu, of Hillbrow; Linda Hlongwa, of Jabulani Hostel; Bekokwakhe Zulu, of Benrose Hostel; Mhlomme Sesiba, of O'Riley Street, Johannesburg and Zinto Mqunu of Jeppestown.
The "prime mover" behind the Pick 'n Pay robbery in Honeydew which eventually led to the bloody shootout in Jeppestown two years ago, Senzo Mweli, 29, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. He was also sentenced to five years for attempted murder, which would run concurrently with the 20-year sentence.
Twelve civilians and four police officers were killed in the shootout at a house in Mordaunt Street, Jeppestown, on Sunday June 25, 2006 in the aftermath of the robbery.
Inspectors Frederick "Frikkie" van Heerden, 32, and Victor Nzama Mathye, 49, both of the West Rand dog unit; Sergeant Gert Schoeman, 30, of the West Rand emergency response service; and Constable Pieter Seaward, 31, of the Johannesburg dog unit died in the gunfight.
The civilians killed in the shootout were thought to have been part of the gang. - Sapa