Businesswoman Riddhi Damodar called it the darkest 15 minutes of her life as five masked intruders allegedly held her family hostage in her home in Lami.

It was after 3am on Monday March 15 when five masked men allegedly jumped over the front gate and entered their home.

Ms Damodar’s eight-year-old daughter and her parents did not even know the men were in the house.

“They went to my father’s room and started assaulting him. I woke up because I heard a commotion and that’s when I kept screaming realising what was happening,” Ms Damodar said.

“The men came after me and assaulted me as well. I was punched and kicked in my stomach and ribs.

“My daughter woke up when she was nabbed by the men. They were big and strong. One of them held my daughter and placed his hand over her mouth for her not to scream.”

Ms Damodar said her daughter still has bruises and for her as a mother, it was the worst thing she had ever experienced.

She said after ransacking the house, the men took valuables items and money. Ms Damodar was surprised the men did not come in a getaway car but on foot and left in the same manner.

Ms Damodar’s father was taken to the hospital and is still recovering.

Ms Damodar’s screams woke the neighbours. Police were called and they were at the scene within minutes.

Ms Damodar said her family are still traumatised.

“All our electronic devices were stolen. I will never forget the bloody state of my father. We are thankful to the Police force for the assistance they have provided us so far,” she said.

“It’s quite clear that the curfew hours have become a breeding ground for criminal activities. We are putting our faith in our Police force and hoping they will help us get justice.”

Police Spokesperson, Ana Naisoro said no arrests have been made but the Southern Division teams are pursuing some leads on the possible suspects.

Edited by Selita Rabuku

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