Home invasion – Family left ‘terrified’ after attack

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Eseta Yavuvatu stands next to the door that was damaged by a group of men on Monday evening (October 18) at Nakelo Landing, Tailevu. Picture: JALE DAUCAKACAKA

A large group of men wielding cane knives and sticks allegedly stormed a home near Nakelo Landing in Tailevu and assaulted its occupants, with a four-month-old baby and an elderly man inside on Monday night.

Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said six men who were involved in the alleged incident have been taken in for questioning by police, while another three were taken to hospital with injuries.

At this stage, she said according to ongoing investigations the fight was fuelled by an earlier confrontation.

She confirmed the group was from a nearby village.

Eseta Yavuvatu, 21, was inside the house when the alleged attack happened.

She said they were having kava on their veranda around 7pm when 50 men from a nearby village allegedly surrounded their house.

“Some ran to our porch and started kicking down the door, they even broke the glasses,” she said.

“We all ran to the living room and the men entered our home. My four-month-old niece, five-year-old nephew and elderly father who was bedridden were also inside.

“It was terrifying because they started assaulting my husband and cousins.”

She said police responded swiftly to their plea for help.

Village headman Samuela Tuinabua refused to comment when approached yesterday because he was not aware of what transpired on Monday night.

Police investigations continue.

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