The family of an elderly man who was tragically killed in a hit-and-run incident is pleading for witnesses to come forward as they search for answers in the wake of his death. The incident occurred at the Brookdale robots in Phoenix on Friday evening, 1 November, when 77 year-old Sonny Govender was walking home from a nearby grocery store in Brookdale. He was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene, leaving him critically injured on the roadside.
Govender was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit at Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and passed away on Sunday, 10 November. Speaking to the Phoenix Tabloid, his son, Leon Naidoo said, “Losing my dad in such an unfair and senseless way, still doesn’t feel real. One minute, he was here and the next, he was gone in the blink of an eye, taken from us by someone who didn’t even have the decency to stop and own up to what they did. It’s hard to wrap my mind around it. We believe there’s someone out there who saw something that could help our family and the police with this case. I urge anyone with information – whether they saw the vehicle or heard anything unusual around the time of the incident to please come forward.”
He said, “We are shattered and are still in shock over his tragic passing. We just want justice for my dad and we won’t stop fighting for answers. We hope that the person responsible for my dad’s murder will be found and justice will be served. This is about getting closure for our family and making sure that no one else has to go through this.”
Govender was described by his family as a dedicated worker and a loving parent and grandfather to his three grandchildren. Naidoo recalled his father’s devotion to his family. “He always put us first and would do anything for his family. He lived his life honestly and with integrity. His death has left a hole in our lives that will never fully heal,” added Naidoo.
Witnesses are urged to call Leon Naidoo on 082 637 0158 or Phoenix SAPS on 031 508 2300.
