Stolen peacocks from Shree Ganesha Temple rescued by local heroes
Three peacocks stolen from the Shree Ganesha Temple have been safely recovered thanks to community effort and private security intervention.
They were found at the Zwelisha informal settlement near Amaoti on Thursday by the KZN VIP Protection Services after the temple offered a reward for their safe return.
The temple chairman, Dennis Govender, said they had received no help from the local police and were forced to conduct their own investigation.
“When offered a reward for any information leading to the safe return of the peacocks, we received a message from a man. He said he had a conversation with someone who was selling peacocks. When he realised it was ours, he tipped us off,” said Govender.
The man received a R300 reward, which was donated to the temple by a devotee.
He said once they received the information about the whereabouts of the peacocks, they contacted Glen Naidoo, of the KZN VIP Protection Services, for his assistance to retrieve the animals.
“This is a dangerous area and Glenn took us in. They were being kept in such terrible conditions and were extremely traumatised. They asked me to identify them. All I had to do was call for Raja and he responded by coming to me. I picked them up and carried them away,” said Govender.
He said that the lady, who was keeping the stolen birds, admitted to getting them from two drug addicts, one being the alleged suspect.
“She said she bought the peacocks from two sugar boys. If we had not gotten a tip-off, they would have sold the birds to someone,” said Govender.
The birds are now living safely on a farm, recovering from the trauma of their ordeal.
“I sent my birds away because they are not safe at the temple. I’m not sure if I’ll bring them back. I am just glad they were spared the pot,” added Govender.