Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomtetheleli Mene commended the investigating team for their impeccable investigation and the National Prosecuting Authority for imposing the maximum sentence on three gang members for murders they committed in 2015.
On 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 in Newton Park. At about 18:00, the same evening, Jermaine Essau was shot and killed while standing in his yard in Springbok Street in Gelvandale.
On 26 September 2016, Glynn Carelson aka Holland (present ages 37), Jermaine Mitchell aka Dolf (present ages 37) and Morne Nel aka Nykie (present ages 42) were arrested by members from the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Gang) in Gqeberha.
The following day, 27 September 2016, Wendell Petersen was arrested in Queenstown.
The other two suspects, Graham Kammies aka Dolf and Robin Taylor aka Milo were already in St Albans Prison on previous cases.-
The accused, who were affiliated with the Dustlifes were charged for 3 murder cases, conspiracy to commit murder, Prevention of Organised Crime Act (racketeering and gangsterism), illegal possession of a firearm as well as 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 has finally been held accountable for their heinous and merciless crimes.
They were sentenced in the Gqeberha High court on 20 July 2023.
Their sentences were as follows:
Jermaine Dolf Mitchell – 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 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 1-4 will run concurrent and 5- 6 to run concurrent. In essence he will serve 20 years imprisonment.
Accused, Glynnn Carelson, Wendell Petersen and Robin Taylor received the following sentences:
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
Murder – life imprisonment
Murder – life imprisonment
Murder – life imprisonment
Unlawful possession of a firearm – 15 years
Unlawful possession of ammunition – 15 years
Counts 1-4 will run concurrent and the unlawful possession of firearm and the unlawful possession of ammunition will run concurrent.
They will each serve three life terms plus 20 years in prison.
Lt Gen Mene welcomed the excellent convictions and iterated that by obtaining life sentences for these gang members, the SAPS sends a clear message that criminal behaviour will not be tolerated and that the families of the victims can finally have closure. “The relentless efforts and meticulous investigation by the investigating team ensured a water-tight case against these gang members. Such diligence and professionalism deserve recognition and appreciation. Bringing dangerous criminals to justice and ensuring they receive the appropriate sentences are for maintaining public safety and deterring further criminal activity,’ added Lt Gen Mene.
