In a chilling case of betrayal and greed, Shaydhieda Dollie, a 51-year-old mother from Gqeberha, was sentenced to 25 years in prison by the Gqeberha High Court on Wednesday, November 27. Dollie was convicted of orchestrating the murder of her 22-year-old son, Moegamat Thaafir Dollie, in a desperate bid to cash in on a R2 million life insurance policy. The court sentenced her to 10 years for conspiracy to commit murder and 25 years for the brutal slaying, marking the end of a case that has shocked the community and left many grappling with the depths of her actions.
The murder took place on October 28, 2024, and was allegedly fueled by Dollie’s frustration with her son’s ongoing battles with drug addiction and disruptive behavior. In a twisted attempt to solve her problems, she sought advice from several individuals who suggested that a “permanent solution” was necessary. The result was a horrific plot that culminated in her hiring hitmen to eliminate her son. Dollie allegedly worked with two individuals, “Shaun” and “Oompie,” who helped her orchestrate the plan. Initially, the cost of the contract was set at R80,000, but delays in executing the murder saw the price escalate to a staggering R380,000.
Dollie’s son, unknowingly walking into his death, was lured under the false pretense of a job interview. He was picked up by the hitmen, who had been sent from Johannesburg to carry out the murder. What should have been a routine day turned into a horrific scene, as Moegamat was murdered and his body left in Missionvale, with gunshot wounds to his head and neck. Police were initially unable to identify the body, but through continued investigation, they confirmed the identity of the deceased as Moegamat Dollie from Gelvandale. The motive was clear—Dollie had hoped to claim the life insurance payout, which was intended to cover the hitmen’s costs and provide her with a financial windfall.
In court, Senior State Advocate Ismat Cerfontein emphasized the cruelty and brutality of the crime, describing it as one of exceptional malice. The murder of a son at the hands of his own mother was a level of betrayal that deeply disturbed everyone involved in the case. Advocate Cerfontein argued for a sentence that would reflect the grave nature of the offense and serve as a stern deterrent against similar acts driven by personal gain. The prosecution painted a grim picture of the extent to which Dollie was willing to go to secure financial gain, even at the expense of her own flesh and blood.
While Dollie’s actions stunned the community, the sentence was met with relief and a sense of justice. The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Barry Madolo, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, calling the conviction a testament to the justice system’s unwavering resolve to hold perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable. For the residents of Gqeberha, the case is a painful reminder of the destructive power of greed, and the devastating consequences of a mother’s betrayal of her own child.
Despite Dollie’s conviction, the case remains incomplete. Shaun and Oompie, the individuals who assisted in the plot, are still at large, and the police continue their search for the two accomplices. The brutal murder has left a lasting scar on the community, one that will take time to heal. For now, however, the court’s decision serves as a chilling reminder of the lengths some people will go to in pursuit of wealth—and the irreparable damage it can cause.
