A Gqeberha woman, Shayhieda Dollie, 49, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for hiring hitmen to murder her son in a calculated plan to claim a substantial life insurance payout. The incident, which shocked the Eastern Cape community, highlights the dark consequences of greed and desperation.
The Tragic Incident
Moegamat Thaafir Dollie, aged 22, was found dead on October 28, 2024, with multiple gunshot wounds to his head and body. His mother had lured him to his death under the guise of a job interview, a cruel ruse to execute her sinister plan.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Shayhieda Dollie, an unemployed resident of Gelvandale, had long-standing issues with her son, who struggled with drug addiction. She deemed him a “nuisance” and saw his life insurance policy, valued at R2 million, as an opportunity to solve her financial struggles.
### A Chilling Plot
The scheme involved two accomplices, referred to as “Shaun” and “Oompie,” who assisted Dollie in hiring hitmen from Johannesburg. Initially, the cost of the hit was R80,000, but Dollie’s delays increased the amount to a staggering R380,000.
Luxolo Tyali, spokesperson for the provincial NPA, revealed that Dollie meticulously planned the murder. She convinced her son to attend a supposed job interview, where the hired killers ambushed and killed him.
### Similar Case Highlights Insurance Fraud Epidemic
This case mirrors another insurance fraud scheme involving siblings Wanda and Sindiswa Mbele. The duo faces charges of fraud and money laundering related to the murders of David Manuel, an actor known for *Noem My Skollie*, and his friend Alfonso Fisher.
The siblings allegedly orchestrated the killings to claim over R100,000 in life insurance payouts. The State claims their actions were part of a broader conspiracy that included targeting additional individuals to increase their profits.
Efforts to prosecute these cases have been complicated by the difficulty in locating key witnesses, raising concerns about the prevalence of such crimes in South Africa.
### Community Outrage
The Eastern Cape community expressed shock and outrage at the lengths people go to for financial gain. Cases like these underline the tragic consequences of moral decay and the devastating impact on families.
Justice Served
While Shayhieda Dollie’s sentencing offers some closure, it also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing systemic issues like poverty, addiction, and the exploitation of insurance systems. As authorities continue their investigations into related cases, the focus remains on ensuring justice for victims and preventing similar tragedies.