Kimberley, South Africa — A young man’s violent spree that shook the city of Galeshewe reached its judicial conclusion with the Kimberley High Court sentencing him to 50 years in prison for the crimes of two murders and multiple assaults. Jamaine Long, 20, had begun his criminal activities as a teenager, and over several years escalated from serious bodily harm to fatal attacks.
The unrest attributed to Long started during an incident at a local tavern in Sobantu Township in February 2022. During the early morning hours at this local establishment, he stabbed one patron to death and severely wounded two others. This attack marked the beginning of a series of violent outbursts that would eventually lead to his arrest and trial.
After the tavern incident, Long was taken into custody and initially placed under parental supervision following his release. Yet in March 2023, he was again implicated in a similar crime. This attack occurred in Santa Zone 2, another area of Galeshewe, where a stabbing resulted in the death of another victim after succumbing to injuries in the hospital.
These recurring violent acts prompted the local police to take more stringent actions against Long. The two cases were eventually integrated, leading to his trial where he faced eight serious charges, reflecting the gravity and pattern of his criminal behavior.
Upon reviewing the evidence, the High Court found Long guilty on all counts, initializing a stark sentence aimed at reflecting the severity of his actions: 40 years were attributed to the two instances of murder, while the remaining decade accounted for the assaults. Adding to the gravity of his conviction, he was also permanently prohibited from owning a firearm, a decision underscoring concerns about potential future violence.
Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, the provincial commissioner of the South African Police Service in Northern Cape, expressed approval of the court’s decision. Otola highlighted the diligent efforts of the Galeshewe Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation Unit in bringing Long to justice, thereby contributing to community safety and legal integrity.
In the wake of the trial, community members are urged to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activities. Authorities emphasize the availability of the MySAPS app and the Crime Stop hotline as confidential platforms for sharing information regarding criminal behavior, encouraging public cooperation in the ongoing fight against crime.
This outcome has sparked discussions among residents and local authorities on the measures necessary to prevent future incidents and the importance of community engagement in monitoring and reporting crime, reflecting a collective commitment to maintaining peace and security in Galeshewe and surrounding areas.