Financial Desperation Leads Gqeberha Mother to Arrange Son's Murder for Insurance Payout

In a distressing instance of familial betrayal, Shayhieda Dollie, a bereaved mother from Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, has been handed a 25-year prison sentence for orchestrating the murder of her 20-year-old son, Moegamat Thaafir Dollie. This cruel act was driven by a desire to claim a R2-million life insurance payout.

The High Court in Gqeberha detailed how Shayhieda, consumed by desperation and financial worries, plunged into criminality, plotting the demise of her son who struggled with drug addiction. Moegamat's lifeless body was discovered in Missionvale on October 28, marking a grim end to his troubled life.

According to court documents, the murder conspiracy began with Shayhieda's tragic narrative of loss and struggle. The family, originally from Uitenhage, moved to Gqeberha following the death of Shayhieda's husband in a car accident. It was here that Moegamat’s drug problems worsened, leading to thefts and household disruptions.

Feeling cornered by her son's actions and the financial burden they imposed, Shayhieda took out a R2-million life insurance policy on Moegamat in 2023. She collaborated with individuals nicknamed "Lorenzo," "Oompie," and "Shaun," orchestrating an elaborate plot to have her son murdered under the guise of a job interview.

Shayhieda’s confession, a mix of remorse and stark detailing of the crime, provided a chilling glimpse into her mindset. Despite initial hesitations, as the cost of the murder escalated from R80,000 to R300,000, her resolve hardened after more disruptions caused by Moegamat.

Senior State Advocate Ismat Cerfontein condemned the heinous nature of the crime during sentencing arguments, stressing the severe brutality of a mother orchestrating her son's death. The court agreed, imposing a 25-year sentence for murder and an additional 10 years for conspiracy.

The National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Eastern Cape director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, expressed satisfaction with the sentencing. He emphasized that the severe punishment reflects the justice system's commitment to upholding the law against those who commit crimes for financial gains.

This tragic case underscores the extreme actions individuals might resort to under financial and emotional strain, highlighting significant moral and legal boundaries crossed for monetary benefit. Shayhieda Dollie’s story serves as a stern warning against the dire consequences of such grievous decisions.