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South Africa, Cape Town, Chicken 34Y Mr Ricardo Johnston (Member 27).Chicken was 23 years old when he first went to prison and his most recent sentence saw him serve 10 years for murder. It was during this time that he became a member of the feared 27s. "the first time my sentence was too short to get involved in the Number and it was not yet my desire to go into it but I had an idea what was going on.?AeuChoosing to join the 27 was a decision Johnson made after looking at all three camps closely. He identified with the nature and purpose of the gang and the way they go about doing their business. "I have been a gangster, I have been stabbed, I have been shot, I have been hurt like this and hurt like that. I can do this thing and that it is what made me go to 27.?AeuMany people misunderstand the 27 according to Johnson, who says that stories of the camp simply attacking people for no reason are untrue. The 27 are only allowed to use violence as a result of the targeted party stepping out of line. He proudly declares, "in the prison we are law hitters. A law hitter is someone who fights for his rights, outside we are an organization.?Aeu (KEYSTONE/LAIF/Philipp Engelhorn)