Denise Govendir: $1m reward offered in Dover Heights home invasion murder

It’s been more than 25 years, but police are still hunting a man who brutally murdered a mother during a home invasion in Sydney’s east.

Police have announced a $1 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for Denise Govendir's death. Picture: NSW Police

It’s been more than 25 years, but police are still hunting a man who brutally murdered a mother during a home invasion in Sydney’s east, with investigators putting forward a $1m reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible.

On March 10, 1998, police were called to Dover Rd in Dover Heights shortly after 2am where they located the body of Denise Govendir.

Officers were told the occupants of the home, a 55-year-old man and Ms Govendir, had been assaulted by an unknown man who broke into their home claiming to be police.

It is alleged the unknown man struck the 55-year-old male, rendering him unconscious before restraining him with cable ties.

He then allegedly proceeded to seriously assault Ms Govendir and fled the scene in her car, a white 1997 Ford laser sedan.

She was murdered in a home invasion over 25 years ago. Picture: NSW Police

The 55-year-old occupant of the home called police after he regained consciousness and detectives commenced an investigation.

Just 11 days later, detectives located and recovered the allegedly stolen car in Rose Bay on March 21, 1998.

Police allege Denise Govendir was struck in the head with a blunt object. Picture: NSW Police

A subsequent coronial inquest held between 2005 and 2008 confirmed Ms Govendir died as a result of blunt force head injury intentionally inflicted by a person or persons unknown.

Despite extensive investigations by police at the time, no one has been charged in relation to her death.

The matter currently remains under investigation by the Unsolved Homicide Unit under Strike Force Gulak and, as inquiries continue, police are renewing their appeal for information with a $1 million reward.

NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said any amount of information could be critical in providing some closure to Ms Govendir’s loved ones.

“Police are as committed as ever to finding answers for Denise’s family and friends, and we hope this reward helps bring forward new information,” Minister Catley said on Friday.

“My appeal to the public is; if you know something, there is now one million more reasons to get in touch with police.”