He said the woman who was sleeping, was home alone. “They tied her up while the robbery took place and one of the suspects is alleged to have raped her,” he said.

The robbers are alleged to have fled in a vehicle with stolen items that included $2,000 pa’anga cash, two flat TV screens and liquor bottles. Police received the phone call reporting the offence from the victim’s neighbour whom she called for help.

Commissioner O'Fee said this was a very serious crime and they are appealing to the public for any information that could assist their investigation.

“There are definitely people out there who know or suspect who did this and we are appealing to them to contact us. This is unusual for Tonga and it is not the sort offending we get frequently. We are very keen to apprehend these people as quickly as we can,” he said.

Police Inspector Taulango Tapueluelu of the Crimes Investigation Unit urged to the public to contact of 23083 or cell phone 841-4647 for any information that could help them locate the suspects.

The victim who has been released from Vaiola Hospital has given a statement to the police.