Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomtetheleli Mene, commended the investigating team and the National Prosecuting Authority for imposing the maximum sentence on three gang members for murders they committed in 2015.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, on Monday, 14 September 2015, three people were shot and killed in separate incidents in the Gelvandale and Mount Road policing areas. At about 12:00, Theodore Matthews was fatally wounded while seated in a taxi at the corners of Durban and Cottrell Roads in Korsten.
“Later, the same afternoon, Rajen Naidoo was gunned down at his work in Burt Drive, Newton Park.
“At approximately 18:00, Jermaine Essau was shot and killed while standing in his yard on Springbok Street in Gelvandale.
“On Saturday, 26 September 2016, Glynn Carelson aka Holland (37), Jermaine Mitchell aka Dolf (37) and Morne Nel aka Nykie (42), were arrested by members of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Gang) in Gqeberha,” said Naidu.
“Wendell Petersen was arrested in Komani (Queenstown) the following day, 27 September 2016.
“The other two suspects, Graham Kammies, aka Dolf and Robin Taylor, aka Milo, were already in St Albans Prison on previous cases,” added Naidu.
The accused, who were affiliated with the Dustlifes gang, were charged with three murder cases, conspiracy to commit murder, Prevention of Organised Crime Act (racketeering and gangsterism), illegal possession of a firearm, and an illegal possession of ammunition.
“The accused were denied bail and remained in custody for the duration of their trial. Seven years later, the wheels of justice have turned, and the accused have finally been held accountable for their heinous and merciless crimes.”
They were sentenced in the Gqeberha High Court on Thursday, July 20.
Their sentences were as follows
Jermaine Dolf Mitchell
- Wilfully aiding and abetting any criminal activity committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal gang activity – 5 years’ imprisonment
- Bringing about or performing any act of violence or any criminal activity by a criminal gang or with the assistance of a criminal gang – 5 years’ imprisonment
- Performing an act which is aimed at causing, bringing about, promoting or contributing towards a pattern of criminal gang activity – 5 years’ imprisonment
- Inciting, instigating, commanding, aiding, advising, encouraging or procuring any other person to commit, bring about, perform or participate in a pattern of criminal gang activity, perform or participate – 5 years’ imprisonment
- Unlawful possession of a firearm – 15 years
- Unlawful possession of ammunition – 15 years
Sentences 1 to 4 will run concurrently and 5 to 6 to run concurrently. In essence he will serve 20 years’ imprisonment.
Accused, Glynnn Carelson, Wendell Petersen and Robin Taylor, received the following sentences
- Willfully aiding and abetting any criminal activity committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with any criminal gang activity – 5 years
- Bringing about or performing any act of violence or any criminal activity by a criminal gang or with the assistance of a criminal gang – 5 years
- Performing an act which is aimed at causing, bringing about, promoting or contributing towards a pattern of criminal gang activity – 5 years
- Inciting, instigating, commanding, aiding, advising, encouraging or procuring any other person to commit, bring about, perform or participate in a pattern of criminal gang activity, perform or participate – 5 years
- Murder – life imprisonment
- Murder – life imprisonment
- Murder – life imprisonment
- Unlawful possession of a firearm – 15 years
- Unlawful possession of ammunition – 15 years
Counts 1 to 4 will run concurrently and the unlawful possession of firearm and the unlawful possession of ammunition will run concurrently. They will each serve three life terms plus 20 years in prison.
Mene welcomed the convictions and reiterated that by obtaining life sentences for these gang members, the police sends a clear message that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and that the families of the victims can finally have closure.
“Bringing dangerous criminals to justice and ensuring they receive the appropriate sentences is essential for maintaining public safety and deterring further criminal activity,” said Mene.
