Three sacred peacocks were stolen from the Shree Ganesha Temple in Phoenix on Wednesday, with officials expressing doubts about their return. The theft occurred during the day while the resident priest was resting in his quarters. The three-year-old peacocks, believed to have been stolen for their meat, are now feared to have been consumed.
This marks the second such incident at the temple. Last year, an adult peacock was also stolen and has yet to be recovered. According to Dennis Govender, the temple chairman, the suspect jumped over the temple wall and tampered with the cages where the peacocks were kept. Although the temple's alarm was triggered, the thief managed to escape with the birds before anyone could intervene.
Govender described the rise in thefts in the area, citing a series of break-ins at the temple. The installation of sensors and alarms had been a response to the escalating crime, but unfortunately, the thief broke the sensors during the latest incident. In addition to the peacock theft, the temple has also been targeted for 120 stolen brass pots, silverware, and even a statue of Lord Muruga in recent months.
Govender blamed the thefts on drug addicts in the area and expressed frustration with the police, claiming that they have failed to investigate despite being informed about local drug lords buying stolen items.
He also voiced his sorrow over the loss of the peacocks, calling it "despicable" that someone would harm such sacred birds, especially during the Kavady festival season. "The peacock is the mode of transport for Lord Muruga, and it’s horrible that something so important and sacred to us was taken away just days before the flag hoisting for Kavady," he said.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the stolen peacocks or the suspect's identity to contact Jonathan Govender at 074 204 0250 or Dennis Govender at 073 255 7293.