Kimberley, South Africa – A 20-year-old man from Galeshewe has been sentenced to spend the next five decades in prison for committing two brutal murders and a series of violent assaults that spread fear and tragedy throughout Kimberley’s streets. Jamaine Long’s criminal behavior began when he was still a minor, but the severity of his crimes was far from juvenile.
According to Police spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane, Long’s destructive path started in February 2022 at a tavern in Sobantu Township, where a patron was fatally stabbed, and two others were seriously injured during a violent altercation. Long was apprehended and charged as the suspect, only to be released into parental custody. However, his reign of violence continued.
In March 2023, another disturbing incident occurred in Santa Zone 2, leading to yet another stabbing where Long’s name resurfaced as the perpetrator. The victim succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, solidifying Long’s reputation as a menace to society.
The Kimberley High Court combined the cases, revealing a pattern of extreme brutality. Long was convicted on all eight charges, including the two murders and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was sentenced to 40 years for the killings and an additional 10 years for the assaults, with the additional penalty of being banned from ever owning a firearm.
Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, the provincial commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, commended the efforts of the Galeshewe Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation Unit for their relentless pursuit of justice in this case. The public was reminded to report any criminal activities anonymously through the MySAPS app or Crime Stop hotline.
Long’s sentencing marks the end of a reign of terror that plagued Kimberley, bringing closure to the families of the victims and a sense of justice to the community. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of swift and diligent police work in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all residents.