Seen above, best friends Diya and Kaira hold hands as they trudge nervously and despondently in stunned silence to the safety of the main drag, relieved of all possessions but their bras and panties.
Residents of the neighbourhood and hip young urbanites, Diya (21, left) and Kaira (21, right) had entered into the alleyways at Diya's request to photograph the graffiti there. They were very much aware of the activities of a local gang tormenting, robbing and stripping their victims, but felt their streetsmarts would enable them to get in and out quickly whilst evading them. Engrossed in the colourful designs through the lens, Diya had failed to notice the gang's approach. Kaira had been distracted too by Diya's loud commentary, 'This looks great, really cool, I love the pink with yellow, so bright!', until it was too late. The gang members, nine of them, were suddenly all around them. Initially, the girls thought they were graffiti writers, their large gym bag filled with paint, but this thought soon left them as first Diya's professional camera was demanded followed by their phones, cash, iWatches, and jewellery. Things took a distressing turn when their sneakers and trendy urban clothes were next targeted. The girls tried their best to avoid the humiliation but in the face of the gang's uncompromising obstinacy, backed with threats, they relented and reluctantly began stripping down.
With their bag filled the gang made to leave. 'That really is a sick piece', one guy opined in reference to Diya's prior photographic subject, the one that had put them in their predicament. Then they left, with the girls stood almost naked and humiliated with no option but to head back to the main drag for help, and clothing.
