An elderly couple from Lenham, Phoenix, has been plagued by a string of unsettling robberies, leaving them feeling vulnerable and fearing for their lives. Pensioners Steve and Indranee Govender, both in their late 70s, have fallen victim to a suspected drug user who has repeatedly broken into their home over five times in the past two months.
Speaking to the Phoenix Tabloid, Steve Govender said: “The break-ins and theft began on Friday, 21 February, where the perpetrator stole our microwave and cooking stove from the kitchen. He broke into the house while I was asleep and my wife was drying clothes in the line around 12pm.”
Govender detailed the subsequent break-ins: “On Thursday, 27 February, he broke into my car at night and stole the battery, a tool kit containing a jack, jack handle, and wheel spanner. The culprit ran off when he realised that my wife had noticed him. He returned again on Friday, 28 February, and broke into the car, stealing a headrest and two Pioneer speakers.”
The suspect struck again on Tuesday, 4 March, stealing a double ladder from the kitchen and a drilling machine, angle grinder, and a bag containing food from one of the rooms upstairs. The Govenders believe the robber is likely a drug user, citing his erratic behaviour and the items he targets.
“The drilling machine and grinder were recovered after the culprit was knocked by a car while trying to run away with the stolen items. I was then informed by the driver that the perpetrator is known as Lloyd and lives around the Weylen Complex. He is also usually seen around the Towlen Complex in Lenham,” said Govender.
The Govenders have lived in their home for over 40 years, building a life full of memories. However, the recent break-ins have turned their sanctuary into a source of constant stress. Each time, the suspect has taken various and essential items, but the psychological toll on the couple has been far more damaging.
“Our home has been broken into five times in such a short space of time, which is very concerning. I’m not a young man anymore, and neither is my wife. We shouldn’t have to live in fear in our own home. It’s not just about the things that were taken; it’s the feeling of violation,” said Govender.
The couple has contacted the police and opened cases following the robberies, but the suspect has yet to be apprehended. “I’ve done everything I can to ensure that my property is well secured, but the robber keeps coming back, taking advantage of the fact that we are old and vulnerable. It’s not just the thefts; it’s the fear. I can’t sleep at night, and my wife is constantly anxious. What if next time, they decide to hurt us?” Govender questioned.
With no sign of the robber slowing down, the Govenders are now urging fellow community members to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. “We all need to be on the lookout for this man. He’s targeting the elderly, and if we don’t stand together, who knows what may happen to anyone of us. I’ve had enough of feeling like a prisoner in my own home, and I urge the community to be on the lookout for him. The suspect is tall, dark in complexion, and thin. I just want this man to be apprehended and arrested so no one else has to go through what we’ve been through. It’s been such a distressing experience, and we want him to be caught and brought to justice,” added Govender.
