Adilutchmee “Kogie” Moodley, 55, of Welbedacht East, made her first appearance in the Durban High Court this week, accused of the murder of 56-year-old Stephen Narayanasamy Chetty. Chetty was allegedly drugged and strangled in April last year, with the purported motive being robbery. Moodley faces additional charges of forgery and defeating the course of justice. The State alleges that the murder was committed with the intention of financial gain, specifically to rob Chetty of his assets.
Moodley commenced employment as a caregiver for Chetty’s wife in 2023, a role she took on to provide assistance and support. During this period, she and her family subsequently took up residence with Chetty and his wife, integrating into the household. It is alleged that Chetty and Moodley became romantically involved during this time. Investigators claim Moodley strangled Chetty once he was incapacitated, carrying out a premeditated act. The following morning, Moodley reported Chetty as having died, initiating the sequence of events that led to the current legal proceedings.
Allegations of Deception and Murder
Adilutchmee Moodley allegedly approached neighbours for assistance in obtaining substances to incapacitate Stephen Narayanasamy Chetty. This action, according to prosecutors, was a critical step in her alleged plan. On April 24, Moodley reportedly administered these substances to Chetty, rendering him vulnerable. It is further alleged that she then strangled him once he was incapacitated, leading to his death.
Following Chetty's death, Moodley is accused of providing false information to paramedics, claiming that Chetty had complained of chest pains. This alleged deception aimed to mask the true cause of death. Dr. D. Pillay initially certified Chetty’s death as natural, based on Moodley's account and the information she provided to medical personnel. This initial certification was a direct result of the alleged false information.
However, Chetty's family members observed fresh injuries on his neck when they inspected his body at the mortuary. These injuries immediately raised suspicions among the family, contradicting the natural death certification. The family subsequently reported these suspicious circumstances to the police and also informed Dr. Pillay of their findings and concerns. Upon a personal inspection of Chetty’s body, Dr. Pillay withdrew his original certification, acknowledging the presence of injuries inconsistent with a natural death. A later post-mortem examination determined that Chetty’s cause of death was consistent with strangulation, providing key forensic evidence to the investigation. This finding directly challenged Moodley's initial account and the preliminary medical assessment.
The Forged Property Scheme and Financial Motive
Adilutchmee “Kogie” Moodley allegedly orchestrated a scheme to transfer Stephen Narayanasamy Chetty's assets to herself. This elaborate plan, prosecutors contend, formed the core financial motive behind the alleged murder. It is claimed Moodley created a memorandum of agreement that purported to transfer all property from Chetty and his wife into Moodley's name upon Chetty's death. This document, if legitimate, would have granted Moodley significant control over Chetty’s estate. Investigators allege that Chetty’s signature on this document was forged, indicating an attempt to unlawfully acquire his possessions. The creation of such a document prior to Chetty's death further supports the prosecution's claim of premeditation and a clear financial motive.
Chetty operated a money-lending business and a tuckshop in Welbedacht East, which were significant sources of his income and assets. These businesses, along with other properties, formed part of the assets Moodley is accused of attempting to acquire through the forged agreement. The allegations suggest a premeditated financial motive behind Chetty's death, with the property transfer scheme being a central component of her alleged plan to benefit financially from his demise. The State maintains that Moodley's actions were driven by a desire to gain control of Chetty's businesses and properties, which represented substantial financial value.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Adilutchmee “Kogie” Moodley and her son, Delon Moodley, 25, were arrested in August last year in connection with the case. The arrests followed an intensive investigation into the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Stephen Narayanasamy Chetty. Authorities took both individuals into custody as part of the ongoing inquiry into the alleged murder and the subsequent attempts to transfer Chetty's assets. The investigation reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting a deliberate plot to incapacitate and kill Chetty for financial gain, leading to the apprehension of Moodley and her son. Law enforcement officials had been examining the details of Chetty's death, initially certified as natural, after family members raised concerns about injuries found on his body. The police investigation meticulously pieced together the timeline of events, from Moodley's employment as a caregiver to the alleged forging of documents and the suspicious circumstances of Chetty's death.
The charges against Delon Moodley were later withdrawn in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court. This decision came after a review of the evidence, indicating that the prosecution opted not to proceed with a case against him at that time. While the specific reasons for the withdrawal were not immediately detailed, the focus of the prosecution shifted primarily to Adilutchmee “Kogie” Moodley for the alleged murder and related offenses. The legal proceedings continued against Adilutchmee Moodley, with the State pursuing the case in the Durban High Court. This withdrawal meant that Adilutchmee Moodley became the sole defendant in the murder trial, facing the full weight of the State's allegations.
Senior advocate Krishen Shah represents the State in this high-profile case. His role involves presenting the prosecution's arguments and evidence against Adilutchmee “Kogie” Moodley as the trial progresses. Advocate Shah is tasked with demonstrating the alleged premeditated nature of the crime and the financial motive behind it, drawing on the evidence gathered during the investigation. The State’s case centers on allegations of murder, forgery, and defeating the course of justice, aiming to establish Moodley’s culpability in Chetty’s death and the subsequent property scheme. The prosecution will endeavor to connect all the alleged actions, from the incapacitation of Chetty to the forged documents, to present a full case against the accused.
Background and Context of the Case
Adilutchmee “Kogie” Moodley, a 55-year-old caregiver from Welbedacht East, is currently facing trial in the Durban High Court on serious charges. She stands accused of the murder of 56-year-old Stephen Narayanasamy Chetty, which allegedly occurred in April last year. Moodley also faces charges of forgery and defeating the course of justice, noting the multifaceted nature of the accusations against her. Investigations suggest Moodley, who began caring for Chetty’s wife in 2023 and later resided with the couple, allegedly drugged and strangled Chetty. Following his death, she is accused of attempting to transfer Chetty’s property and businesses into her name through a forged memorandum of agreement. The State, represented by Senior advocate Krishen Shah, alleges a financial motive behind Chetty’s death, portraying the murder as a calculated act to gain control of his assets. The case has drawn significant attention due to the grave nature of the allegations and the intricate web of deception and alleged financial manipulation involved. The trial continues as the prosecution presents its evidence to the court.
